Director, Financial Crimes Model Validator
A leading U.S.-based financial services firm is seeking a Director-level Lead Model Validator to join its Model Risk Management (MRM) team. This is a high-impact role focused on the independent validation of models used in financial crime detection and prevention, including BSA/AML (Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering) and fraud detection systems. You will lead validations of critical models such as Transaction Monitoring, Customer Risk Scoring, and Sanctions Screening (OFAC), as well as fraud detection models.
Responsibilities
- Oversee end-to-end validation of AML and fraud models, including transaction monitoring, customer risk scoring, and sanctions screening, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards.
- Assess model design, data integrity, assumptions, performance, and monitoring using quantitative tools like SQL, Python, or R.
- Act as the primary liaison with Financial Crimes, Compliance, Risk, and Audit teams, presenting findings and driving resolution of validation issues
- Maintain ongoing model monitoring, manage issue tracking and remediation, and mentor junior validators while enhancing model risk governance frameworks.
Requirements
- Bachelor's in a quantitative field and ~10 years in AML/fraud model validation, risk management, or compliance within regulated financial institutions.
- Proficient in SQL, Python, or R; strong grasp of model lifecycle, statistical modeling, and machine learning techniques.
- Deep understanding of BSA/AML, OFAC, and key regulatory guidance (SR 11-7, OCC 2011-12); experience with financial crime detection models.
- Skilled in writing validation reports, presenting findings, and mentoring junior staff; collaborative and effective across cross-functional teams.
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