Lead Bsa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

About Bankwell:

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We're passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We're dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.

Summary of Position:

This role consists of reviewing, maintaining, and improving the Company's BSA Program (including sanctions/OFAC) to ensure compliance with applicable bank laws and regulations. This role involves overseeing the implementation of BSA programs, monitoring suspicious activity, and conducting internal investigations. The BSA Officer also leads risk assessments, regulatory reporting, and staff training to maintain a strong compliance culture. The BSA Officer will act as a compliance resource and should be able to answer the bulk of the staff's BSA questions. 

Responsibilities include:

• Evaluating sufficiency of and adherence to the Company's policies and procedures and compliance with applicable laws and regulations and ensuring that affected departments have taken corrective action, as needed
• Implementing BSA changes by developing a written Implementation Plan and assisting affected departments in implementing regulatory requirements by effective dates
• Participating in risk/governance meetings 
• Reporting to the Bank's governance structure on a regular basis on Financial Crime related issues 
• Overseeing BSA related examinations and audits 
• Managing and maintaining the Bank's BSA/AML compliance program to ensure adherence to all applicable regulations and guidelines
• Managing the Bank's Financial Crimes Program, inclusive of BSA/AML, OFAC, Anti-fraud.
• Oversee daily monitoring and investigation of suspicious activity reports (SARs), ensuring timely filing and accurate documentation
• Conduct risk assessments of the Bank's customers, products, and services to identify and mitigate money laundering and financial crime risks
• Design, implement effective controls and procedures to detect and prevent financial crimes
• Monitor transaction activity for potential money laundering or other suspicious behavior using BSA/AML monitoring software
• Assist with regulatory filings and reporting, including Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) and SAR filings, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Provide ongoing training and guidance to Bank staff on BSA/AML regulations and procedures to maintain awareness and compliance
• Liaise with internal departments, auditors, and external regulators during BSA/AML audits, reviews, and examinations
• Oversee internal investigations of high-risk customers and accounts, ensuring thorough documentation and reporting to the BSA Officer
• Develop and update BSA/AML policies and procedures in response to regulatory changes and emerging risks
• Maintain knowledge of current and emerging financial crime trends and regulatory developments in the BSA/AML space
• Lead and manage BSA/AML projects, including system enhancements and testing of monitoring systems
• Ensure compliance with Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions regulations and perform screening of customers and transactions
• Review and analyze regulatory guidance, enforcement actions, and best practices to improve the bank's BSA/AML framework
• Provide regular reporting to senior management on the status of the BSA/AML program, including metrics and risk assessments
• Maintain an effective Quality Assurance Program to ensure ongoing assessment of compliance with policies and procedures relative to reviewing BSA-related matters, including CIP, CDD, KYC, alerts, cases, SARs and CTRs. 

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree and knowledge of banking regulations  
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in BSA/AML compliance, preferably in a financial institution or commercial bank
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification or similar relevant certification (e.g., CFE, CRCM) preferred
• Strong knowledge of BSA/AML regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC requirements, and other relevant financial
• crime laws
• Experience with BSA/AML monitoring software and transaction surveillance systems (e.g., Actimize, Verafin)
• Familiarity with regulatory reporting requirements such as SARs, CTRs, and FinCEN 314(a) requests
• Knowledge of all applicable State and Federal BSA regulations and laws
• SharePoint, AML transaction monitoring systems, Fiser, Jack Henry and/or FIS platform knowledge is desirable
• Basic PC skills. Familiarity with basic Windows and Microsoft programs including ability to create Word Documents, Power Point presentations, and Excel spreadsheets
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be proactive, self-motivated, and a self-starter
• Possess good interpersonal skills
• The ability to communicate with people at all levels of the Company including Senior Management and the Board of Directors
• Strong sense of integrity and personal ethics
• Adheres to all applicable Policies and Procedures
• Experience with AI technology platforms is a plus