BSA/AML Compliance Manager

Role overview

BBVA’s U.S. Compliance team is seeking a BSA/AML Compliance Manager to help operate and strengthen the bank’s BSA/AML program. The position focuses on transaction monitoring investigations, drafting suspicious activity reports, and supporting key anti-money laundering controls across business lines in line with BSA/AML and OFAC requirements.

The right candidate will bring strong investigative judgment, analytical thinking, solid organization, and a careful eye for detail. This role is important for making sure transaction monitoring work, manual controls, reporting obligations, and case handling are completed accurately and on time.

Key duties

The role includes end-to-end review of automated alerts, analysis of customer activity and supporting records, preparation of SAR documentation, oversight of manual AML controls, monitoring of work queues and case volumes, and production of management reporting for leadership and governance forums. It also supports regulatory exams, audits, remediation efforts, and updates to AML procedures and process documents.

Transaction monitoring and investigations

• Assess automated monitoring alerts and carry out full investigations into activity that may be suspicious.
• Review customer behavior, transaction patterns, profile data, and supporting evidence to determine whether activity is unusual or concerning.
• Complete investigations within internal procedures, regulatory standards, and required turnaround times.
• Record findings in case management tools with clear, complete documentation.

SAR preparation

• Prepare well-written Suspicious Activity Reports and keep the supporting records needed for filing decisions.
• Take part in quality assurance checks and help move SARs through the filing process in a compliant and consistent manner.

AML controls and operational oversight

• Carry out and supervise manual AML controls and monitoring tasks that support the transaction monitoring program.
• Track alert inventory, case throughput, and workflow queues to support timely review and investigation.
• Assist with assignment of alerts and distribution of work across the monitoring team.

Reporting and management information

• Build recurring reports, dashboards, and metrics on transaction monitoring and case management performance.
• Prepare presentation materials and reporting packs for compliance leadership, committees, and other internal audiences.
• Maintain visibility on action items, deliverables, and operational key performance indicators.
• Coordinate requests for information, follow-up tasks, and action-item tracking from governance and operational meetings.

Regulatory and audit support

• Assist with regulatory exams, internal audits, and independent reviews by collecting documents and drafting responses.
• Support remediation tracking for findings, recommendations, and action plans.
• Help maintain and improve AML procedures and process documentation.

Additional information

This position is based in New York and offers a high-visibility environment with direct interaction with senior stakeholders and participation in important regulatory and strategic initiatives in the U.S. The workplace emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to deepen regulatory expertise and grow within a global organization.

Compensation and benefits

The expected base salary for this New York office role is between $120,000 and $145,000 per year. Offers are not generally made at or near the top of the range. Compensation is determined by relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications, along with market and organizational factors. In addition to base pay and a generous benefits package, eligible hires may receive a discretionary bonus.

Employment eligibility

Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States for BBVA, as visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a graduate degree in law, business, finance, or a related area is strongly preferred.
• At least 5 to 7 years of BSA/AML compliance experience, including substantial work in transaction monitoring investigations and SAR drafting.
• Strong understanding of BSA/AML rules, USA PATRIOT Act obligations, OFAC sanctions compliance, KYC, and transaction monitoring frameworks.
• Proven experience performing complex investigations and assessing potentially suspicious activity.
• Background in AML operational controls, reconciliations, and quality assurance work.
• Ability to stay organized and manage several priorities, deadlines, and competing demands at once.
• Experience preparing executive-level reports, metrics, and presentations.
• Experience performing entity searches and using research platforms such as LexisNexis, World-Check, and similar investigative tools.
• Hands-on exposure to transaction monitoring and case management systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, with experience working with large datasets preferred.
• CAMS certification is preferred, or the ability to earn it within 180 days of joining.
• Spanish language skills in reading, writing, and speaking are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of LATAM and Spain markets is highly desirable.
• Broker/dealer experience is preferred.
• Ability to work autonomously and make sound decisions on sensitive and complex matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with senior management.