Senior AML/ ATF Specialist

This position holds the most senior investigative role within Meridian’s AML Compliance function (level lll). This role is designed for an accomplished professional with deep expertise in the detection and mitigation of money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions evasion risk.  The Senior Specialist is entrusted with investigating and resolving high-risk and highly complex cases, which 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 the incumbent to apply exceptional judgement, advanced critical thinking, and leverage extensive experience to achieve effective and compliant 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 Senior Specialist’s 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 the advancement of Meridian’s business banking growth strategy.

This position highly values prior experience in conducting complex enhanced due diligence (“EDD”) investigations, which may include analysis of corporate/entity legal structures, financial records, and account activity.  Such expertise is considered a distinct asset for the role.

Given that the Senior Specialist responsibility for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with Meridian’s highest risk Members, the work performed in this capacity is subject to heightened scrutiny by FINTRAC, as well as other regulatory authorities and auditors.  This ensures that all risk management activities not only support business objectives but also adhere to regulatory standards and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Case Work:

• Design and execute complex EDD strategies, commensurate to the nature and severity of the risks identified for Members and prospective Members, including those who have complex or opaque ownership and control structures, who operate in high-risk industries, and/or whose investment and operating capital may be sourced from activities in high-risk international jurisdictions.


• Assess and set appropriate scope for investigations using a risk-based approach.


• Provide opinion to line-of-business stakeholders relative to the risk of the Member/prospect and make recommendations as to their 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 cases with high complexity or profile within Meridian. This may include the review and interpretation of complex financial and legal documents, in addition to 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; these may include recommendations to de-market material relationships based on the results of investigations.
  
  
  
  

Program Support:

• Serve as a subject matter expert and consultant to the lines-of-business, providing guidance and support in the identification and assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing risks as they arise.


• Provide education to business line stakeholders and influence/guide decision making in an effective and tactful manner.


• Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance and coaching to less-experienced investigators; review work, provide direction, act as a trusted partner and sounding board to facilitate their decision-making.


• Provide support in preparation for internal/external audit and Quality Control activities.

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of FINTRAC’s Guidelines, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (“PCMLTFA”), and its associated Regulations;


• Working-level understanding of the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada;


• Working-level understanding of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”);


• Expert-level understanding of ML/TF typologies and risk factors, including a demonstrated ability to keep up-to-date with emerging trends and risks;


• 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; and


• Experience working with an AML alert/case management system/software is an asset.


• Experience working with Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is an asset.

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability to operate independently within agreed parameters and to contribute to the development of those parameters;


• Ability to apply knowledge and experience to find novel solutions to unique challenges;


• Ability to demonstrate well-reasoned judgment and critical thinking skills in unfamiliar situations;


• Ability to coach business partners through AML/ATF-related challenges and influence outcomes; and


• Ability to provide guidance to other teammates with respect to prioritization and problem solving.

Time Management Skills:

• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment; and


• Ability to balance workloads and prioritize according to importance.

Communication Skills:

• Ability to provide tactical guidance and direction to others on the team;


• Tact and diplomacy to respond to inquiries from internal partners, external partners
  (regulators and other government agencies, law enforcement, etc.), and internal/external auditors as appropriate;


• Influencing skills to guide business partners through decision-making processes related to AML/ATF challenges;


• Ability to clearly articulate observations/recommendations in an organized and understandable format, tailored for the target audience;


• Ability to prepare, write, and submit prescribed reports to FINTRAC;


• Excellent writing skills with the ability to prepare reports, including detailed recommendations, for all audiences within the business including the Board of Directors;


• Ability to prepare newsletters, bulletins, policy & procedures, for all audiences within the business including the Board of Directors; and


• Ability to present to large groups through varying channels (phone, webinar, and in person).

Education, Work Experience, and Professional Designations/Certifications

• 5+ years of experience working in financial crime-related investigations.


• Experience in criminal/regulatory/internal/administrative investigations outside of the AML/ATF industry is an asset.


• CAMS, CFE, CFCS or other relevant designations are an asset.


• Relevant Post-Secondary education or equivalent experience is an asset.


• Experience in Commercial Banking is an asset.

This role represents an existing vacancy. Internal candidates are being considered as part of our standard process.

Salary Range: CAD $68,800.00 to $103,200.00 annually.

Compensation for this role 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 our total rewards package during the hiring process.

Office Location: Toronto Corporate Office located 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, your colleagues and your leader which is very important to us.
 

What's in it for you?

• We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success


• We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients


• You'll get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders


• Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues


• This isn't 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 into new ways of working.  Experience with low/no code tools like the Microsoft Power Platform and generative AI productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot is considered an asset


• Critical Thinking – The ability to analyze, evaluate and 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 and embracing change and uncertainty, ask more questions, explore more options. Continuously learn and grow.

Who we are:

Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 380,000 Members. Meridian has more than 80 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 87 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 32B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2200 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve.  Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life. 

Find our story here: About Meridian

Experience the Difference!

Meridian committed to promoting an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities and Members in which we live and serve.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you for your interest in Meridian Credit Union.

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