BSA/AML Manager

Avant is looking for an experienced BSA/AML Manager to oversee Avant’s anti-money laundering and sanctions screening programs. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide thought leadership on risk management while leading a high-performing team of investigators. You will be responsible for triaging alerts, assessing emerging risks for new products, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure our policies align with regulatory expectations. If you have a strong background in banking or Fintech fraud, possess sharp technical analytical skills, and thrive in a collaborative environment, you are the ideal candidate to help us safeguard our platform.

What You’ll Do at Avant:

• Provide thought leadership on AML risk management and model usage, ensuring alignment with the organization’s broader risk, compliance, and enterprise risk frameworks.

• Lead a team of BSA/AML investigators responsible for triaging alerts and referring to suspicious activity, ensuring staffing levels keep pace with product growth while maintaining high-quality alert processing.

• Ensure Avant’s sanctions screening program, including screening cadence and coverage, meets regulatory expectations and internal policy requirements.

• Lead the assessment of complex and emerging AML risks, including those related to new products, customer segments, channels, technologies, and regulatory developments.

• Work closely with Engineering and Product to design, prioritize, and implement BSA/AML technology solutions and controls within Avant’s platforms and tools.

• Partner with Compliance and Legal to ensure BSA/AML policies, procedures, and controls align with regulatory expectations and internal governance standards.

• Engage with card processors and bank partners to complete annual regulatory risk assessments and address identified gaps or issues.

• Monitor KRIs, dashboards, and reporting related to alerts, SAR referral rates, operational performance, and control effectiveness, and recommend enhancements where needed.

• Communicate key AML and fraud trends, emerging risks, and program performance to executive leadership and, as appropriate, to Board-level stakeholders.

Why you’re a fit at Avant:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in banking fraud or AML experience in fraud risk management or AML within financial services, fintech, or payments, with significant exposure to card, loan, and/or banking products.

• Demonstrated experience building, managing, or validating fraud or AML models and rules (e.g., transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, customer risk rating, behavioral analytics).

• Strong hands-on analytical and data skills with proficiency in tools such as SQL and at least one of: Python, R, SAS, or similar.

• Solid understanding of BSA/AML and sanctions regulatory requirements and guidance (e.g., BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC, FATF, FFIEC).

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to non-technical audiences.

This role is based on our downtown Chicago Office, located in the Merchandise Mart. We highly value collaboration and our hybrid schedule (M, T, Th in-office) enables flexibility to balance work and individual priorities.

Compensation Range:

The base salary range for this job is USD $115,000 - USD $150,000/ Year

Employees new to Avant typically come in below the midpoint of the pay range. The compensation range is based on the level outlined in the job posting, and compensation decisions are dependent on each applicant's experience, skills and abilities. 

[If an outstanding applicant's experience and skill level is above or below the qualifications outlined in the job posting, we reserve the right to make an offer at a different level than the one listed in this job posting, which may have a different compensation range.]

This role is eligible for additional incentives, including an annual bonus. These rewards are allocated based on level, impact and performance in the role.

Our benefits include:

• Choice of great Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plan options

• 401(k) match

• Flexible Time Off

• Flexible Work Environment - (i.e. Mon/Tues/Thurs in-person)

• Generous Paid Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance and Post-parental leave ramp-up program 

• Lunch Allowance (Fooda) and In-office Snacks

• Summer Fridays 

• Fun In-Office and Virtual Social Events

• And who doesn’t love the swag

Check out our Avant Blog!

We believe that a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences helps us create the most innovative solutions for our customers. We invite you to apply to our positions even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the description. If you’re passionate about our mission and aligned to our values, we hope you’ll come contribute to our awesome culture.

Why Avant is the place for you:

At Avant, we believe our values make a difference:

Authenticity. We show up to work as our whole selves and make sure others can too.

Collaboration. We can only succeed when we do so as a team.

Problem-Solving. The harder the problem, the more satisfying the solution.

Customer. We are all owners of the customer experience.

Initiative. Plan. Adapt. Get Sh!t Done.

We believe that great ideas come from anyone and anywhere, that everyone is an owner who drives change, and that we have more fun when we work together. We're problem solvers who love collaborating with intelligent and highly-motivated people to reshape the face of digital banking. Avant offers terrific perks and benefits, fun social events with employees who actually like hanging out together, and a flexible growth environment where trying your hand at new projects and being the active owner of your career path is encouraged and supported.

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