Senior Manager, High Risk Compliance Officer
Location : CityScape
As a Senior Manager High Risk Compliance Officer, you'll be embedded within the First Line of Defense (1LOD) of the Digital Asset Banking National Business Line (NBL). In this role you'll lead a team of 610 Portfolio Managers, ensuring proactive risk ownership and execution of compliance controls for high-risk clients and products. You'll use your expertise in digital assets, payments, and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS), combined with strong leadership to drive a culture of compliance within the business.
- Manage and develop a team of 610 Portfolio Managers responsible for onboarding and monitoring high-risk clients.
- Set performance goals, provide coaching, and ensure alignment with NBL objectives and enterprise risk appetite.
- Serve as the primary compliance and risk advisor within the NBL, ensuring business decisions align with regulatory and risk appetite.
- Implement and maintain 1LOD control frameworks for onboarding, monitoring, and servicing high-risk digital asset clients.
- Oversee enhanced due diligence (EDD) and ongoing monitoring for high-risk clients, including exchanges, OTC desks, and institutional crypto participants- Partner with operations and second-line compliance to resolve escalations and ensure timely SAR filings when required.
- Execute and document key controls for BSA / AML, OFAC, and other applicable regulations.
- Perform periodic control testing and remediation within the NBL.
- Provide risk reporting and metrics to NBL leadership and enterprise risk committees- Support regulatory exams and internal audits as the 1LOD point of contact.
- Partner closely with second-line teams to ensure alignment on risk appetite, policy interpretation, and escalation protocols. Participate in risk assessments and regulatory change management initiatives.
- Coordinate with internal audit during scheduled reviews, provide documentation, and remediate findings promptly to strengthen control effectiveness.
- Deliver targeted training to NBL staff on compliance obligations and emerging risks in digital assets.
- Act as a subject matter expert for new product development and client onboarding
What you'll need :
8+ years of related experience in Finance, Finance (GL Mgmt., Public Reporting, Analysis) or similar field.Bachelor's degree in related field required; Masters or MBA in related field preferred.Previous leadership experience required.Advanced knowledge of general banking operations, including deposit operations, loan administration, treasury management and / or other commercial banking products and services.Advanced knowledge of applicable regulatory and legal compliance obligations, rules and regulations, industry standards and practices. Strong knowledge and familiarity with the regulatory environment for blockchain and digital assets.Advanced knowledge of blockchain technology, digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and application in the financial industry.Advanced proficient in project management and experience in leading and managing complex projects, particularly those involving technology and digital transformation.Advanced speaking and writing communication skills.Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP), Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional (CEBP) and / or Certified Fintech Expert (CFTE) preferred.Benefits you'll love : We offer all the important things you'd want like competitive salaries, an ownership stake in the company, medical and dental insurance, time off, a great 401k matching program, tuition assistance program, an employee volunteer program, and a wellness program. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to bolster your business knowledge, learning the ins and outs of how successful companies operate and manage their finances, giving you invaluable hands-on experience to help grow your career!
About the company : Western Alliance Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Alliance Bancorporation. Alliance Bank of Arizona, Alliance Association Bank, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank, and Torrey Pines Bank are divisions of Western Alliance Bank; Member FDIC. AmeriHome Mortgage is a Western Alliance Bank company.