11 Aug
|
Meridian
|
Toronto
About This Opportunity At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are. As the most senior investigative role within Meridian’s AML Compliance function (level 3), this position is designed for an accomplished professional with deep expertise in detecting and mitigating money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions evasion risk. The Senior Specialist is entrusted with investigating and resolving high‑risk and highly complex cases that may involve large corporate or business entities, organized crime, and ideologically motivated violent extremism and/or terrorist financing. These investigations and enhanced due diligence (EDD) activities often present unique and evolving risks and complexities, requiring exceptional judgment, advanced critical thinking, and extensive experience to achieve effective outcomes. As a subject‑matter expert, the Senior Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting first‑line business banking relationship managers and branch leaders by equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize, assess, and manage risks associated with their members, including those with significant relationship values. The insights are critical in guiding decisions related to the onboarding of high‑risk prospects and the potential demarketing of high‑risk members, directly contributing to Meridian’s business banking growth strategy. Prior experience conducting complex EDD investigations—including analysis of corporate/entity legal structures, financial records, and account activity—is highly valued. This expertise is a distinct asset for the role. Because of the seniority of the position, the work performed is subject to heightened scrutiny by FINTRAC and other regulatory authorities and auditors. It ensures that risk management activities support business objectives while adhering to regulatory standards and best practices. Key Responsibilities Design and execute complex EDD strategies commensurate with the nature and severity of the risks identified for members and prospective members, including those with complex or opaque ownership and control structures, operating in high‑risk industries, or whose capital may be sourced from high‑risk jurisdictions. Assess and set appropriate scope for investigations using a risk‑based approach. Provide an opinion to line‑of‑business stakeholders relative to the risk of the member/prospect and make recommendations regarding suitability for membership. Create a work product that will pass the scrutiny of auditors and regulators. Investigate potential or suspected instances of money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions evasion, specializing in high‑complexity or high‑profile cases. This includes the review and interpretation of complex financial and legal documents, high volumes of transaction activity, and open‑source information.Determine if reporting to FINTRAC is required. Discreet and documented decisions are subject to review by auditors and regulators. Identify if additional risk mitigation tactics are necessary and execute them,
which may include recommendations to de‑market material relationships based on investigation results. Program Support Serve as a subject‑matter expert and consultant to lines‑of‑business, providing guidance and support in identifying and assessing money‑laundering and terrorist‑financing risks as they arise. Provide education to business line stakeholders and influence decision making in an effective and tactful manner. Provide guidance and coaching to less‑experienced investigators; review work, givedirection, act as a trusted partner and sounding board. Support preparation for internal/external audit and quality control activities. Knowledge Solid understanding of FINTRAC’s Guidelines, the PCMLTFA, and its regulations. Working‑level understanding of the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada. Working‑level understanding of PIPEDA. Expert‑level understanding of ML/TF typologies and risk factors, including staying up‑to‑date with emerging trends. Expert‑level understanding of financial products and services, operational policies, procedures, delivery systems, and risk management methodologies. Proficiency with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proficiency with SQL or other database management and reporting software is an asset. Experience with an AML alert/case management system/software is an asset. Experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an asset. Problem Solving Skills Operate independently within agreed parameters and contribute to developing those parameters. Apply knowledge and experience to find novel solutions to unique challenges. Demonstrate well‑reasoned judgment and critical thinking in unfamiliar situations. Coach business partners through AML/ATF challenges and influence outcomes. Provide guidance to teammates regarding prioritization and problem solving. Time Management Skills Adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Balance workloads and prioritize according to importance. Communication Skills Provide tactical guidance and direction to others on the team. Exhibit tact and diplomacy when responding to inquiries from internal and external partners, including regulators and law enforcement. Influence business partners through decision‑making processes related to AML/ATF challenges. Clearly articulate observations/recommendations in an organized format tailored for the target audience. Prepare, write, and submit reports to FINTRAC. Write reports, newsletters, bulletins, policies, and procedures for all audiences, including the Board of Directors. Present to large groups via phone, webinar, or in person. Education, Work Experience, And Professional Designations/Certifications 5+ years of experience in financial‑crime investigations. Experience in criminal, regulatory, internal, or administrative investigations outside the AML/ATF industry is an asset.
Designations such as CAMS, CFE, CFCS or other relevant certifications are an asset. Relevant post‑secondary education or equivalent experience is an asset. Experience in commercial banking is an asset. Salary Range: CAD $68,800.00 to $103,200.00 annually. Compensation is based on a combination of skills, experience, and internal equity. Candidates with stronger alignment to the role’s requirements may be placed higher within the range. Your recruiter will share more information about the total rewards package during the hiring process. Office Location: Toronto Corporate Office at 3280 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON. Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate, and build effective relationships with your team, colleagues, and leaders which is very important to us. What's in it for you? Inclusive and collaborative environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success. Tools and technology needed to delight candidates and clients. Opportunity to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders. Hybrid work arrangements with in‑person office time to collaborate, innovate, and build relationships. This is not your typical “corporate” job. We work hard and we have fun! Build the Future of Banking with Us At Meridian, we’re not just adapting to the future—we’re shaping it. We see talent as a catalyst for sustainable growth, community impact, and future‑readiness. As the financial landscape evolves, we’re looking for team members who bring Embedding & leveraging technology – Confidence and willingness to learn and integrate AI and emerging technologies. Experience with low/no code tools like the Microsoft Power Platform and generative AI productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot is an asset. Critical Thinking – Ability to analyze, evaluate, interpret information from various sources, and apply logic and problem solving to make decisions. Data‑driven – Leverage data and insights to identify, prioritize, and improve member experience and business efficiency. Curiosity & Flexibility – Comfortable navigating change and uncertainty, asking more questions, exploring options, and continuously learning and growing. Who we are Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, the second largest in Canada, and has more than 380,000 members. Meridian has more than 80 years of history, is 100% owned by its members, and has 87 retail branches and 15 business banking centers across Ontario. With $32B in assets under management, we offer a full range of financial products and services to all members. With over 2,200 employees and corporate offices in Toronto and St. Catharines, we are committed to investing in the communities we serve. Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose – helping our members achieve their best life. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability. Thank you for your interest in Meridian Credit Union. #J-18808-Ljbffr
📌 Senior Aml/ Atf Specialist - C$68,800 - C$103,200 A Year (Toronto)
🏢 Meridian
📍 Toronto