Director, Crypto AML & Sanctions

Company Description

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Job Description

As the Compliance Director – AML and Sanctions Crypto SME, you will lead the design and execution of our AML and sanctions compliance program for our crypto activities. You’ll provide subject matter expertise on crypto compliance risks, build and conduct risk assessments, develop and implement policies and procedures, and partner with teams across the company to drive compliance excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of AML and sanctions strategies specific to crypto and blockchain -related products and services.
• Serve as the AML and sanctions subject matter expert for crypto-related products and services.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with AML and sanctions regulations, including BSA/AML, OFAC, and global equivalents.
• Conduct comprehensive AML and sanctions risk assessments of crypto products, services, and business lines.
• Identify, assess, and document crypto-specific AML and sanctions risks, ensuring appropriate controls and mitigations are in place.
• Conduct gap analyses and implement risk mitigation strategies for crypto compliance.
• Advise on the design and enhancement of transaction monitoring, blockchain analytics, and customer due diligence processes. 
• Collaborate with product, legal, engineering, and other stakeholders to ensure crypto offerings are compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Lead investigations of potential AML and sanctions issues, including suspicious activity reports (SARs) and sanctions matches.
• Stay abreast of evolving crypto compliance trends, regulatory developments, and industry best practices.
• Provide training and guidance to the broader compliance team and business units on crypto AML and sanctions compliance.
• Support regulatory exams and inquiries.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving crypto regulations globally, including OFAC, FinCEN, FATF, etc.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• 10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 8 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters/ MBA/JD/MD) or at least 3 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications

• 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 8-10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6+ years of work experience with a PhD
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., finance, law, compliance). Advanced degree or certification (e.g., CAMS, CFE) is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in compliance, with at least 5 years focused on crypto, stablecoin or blockchain-based financial services.
• Deep knowledge of AML and sanctions regulations (e.g., BSA/AML, OFAC, FATF standards) as they apply to crypto activities.
• Proven experience conducting AML and sanctions risk assessments and building effective risk-based compliance programs.
• Strong understanding of blockchain technology, crypto ecosystems, and regulatory challenges unique to the crypto industry.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have experience and deep familiarity with Crypto/on-chain related tools (TRM Labs, Chainalysis, Elliptic, etc.)

Additional Information

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 137,300 to 210,000 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.