Lead and manage the Financial Crimes Control Team, focusing on complex, escalated, and high-profile investigations to ensure compliance with reporting obligations and applicable regulatory requirements. The role is responsible for mitigating AML/CFT risks, strengthening financial crime controls, and safeguarding the organization against operational losses, regulatory sanctions, and reputational risk.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Compliance & Risk
- Closing Date: 2026-09-08
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage complex, escalated, high-risk, and high-profile AML/CFT investigations, including matters involving PEPs, PIPs, tip-offs, and other sensitive financial crime concerns.
- Oversee the identification, analysis, and investigation of suspicious activities through enhanced transaction monitoring, customer due diligence, and intelligence gathering.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legislative, and internal reporting requirements, including the submission of accurate reports, management information, and escalations to relevant stakeholders and authorities.
- Collaborate with regulatory and law enforcement agencies, including the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), on sensitive investigations, regulatory requests, and financial crime initiatives.
- Provide expert advice, guidance, and training to business stakeholders on financial crime risks, AML/CFT controls, and regulatory obligations.
- Drive the implementation and continuous improvement of financial crime policies, procedures, controls, governance frameworks, and investigative practices.
- Lead process, system, and data reviews to enhance financial crime detection capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and address identified risks and control gaps.
- Monitor emerging money laundering and terrorist financing trends, typologies, and risks, and ensure appropriate responses are embedded within investigative and control frameworks.
Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Law.
- 5 – 7 years’ experience in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT), and financial crime investigations, including regulatory reporting and the practical application of relevant legislation.
- Proven experience conducting complex financial crime investigations, analysing AML/CFT trends and indicators, and utilising banking systems and data to support investigations.
- 3 – 4 years’ experience in financial crime training, monitoring, regulatory reporting, and providing advisory support on financial crime risk and compliance matters.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and influence stakeholders at various levels, both internally and externally.
How to Apply
About the Company
Standard Bank Group operates as a prominent financial services provider in Malawi, offering a comprehensive suite of banking and financial solutions to individuals, businesses, and corporates across the nation. This is primarily facilitated through its well-established subsidiary, Standard Bank Malawi plc, which plays a pivotal role in the Malawian economy by supporting various sectors with innovative products and services. With a strong commitment to local development, the group's operations in Malawi encompass personal banking, wealth management, and corporate and investment banking. Its extensive branch network and digital channels ensure wide accessibility for customers throughout Malawi, reinforcing its position as a leading financial institution dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and economic progress in the country.
It Can Be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a Money Laundering Surveillance Investigations Manager at Standard Bank Malawi?
Typically you need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, law, or a related field, plus professional certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) or ICA diplomas. Several years of experience in compliance, financial crime, or AML investigations within banking is usually expected. Familiarity with the Financial Crimes Act and Reserve Bank of Malawi regulations is highly valued.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You would review and investigate alerts from transaction monitoring systems, escalate suspicious activity reports, and ensure investigations meet regulatory deadlines. The role also involves managing a team of analysts, documenting findings, and liaising with regulators, law enforcement, and internal stakeholders. Ongoing refinement of surveillance rules and reporting to senior management are common tasks.
What is the work culture like in Malawian banks for compliance roles?
Malawian banks tend to have formal, hierarchical work cultures where professionalism, punctuality, and respect for seniority are important. Compliance roles carry high accountability, so attention to detail and integrity are strongly emphasized. Collaboration with risk, legal, and audit teams is routine, and regulatory deadlines are taken very seriously.
What career progression can I expect in financial crime compliance in Malawi?
You could progress from investigator or analyst roles into team lead positions, then to senior manager or head of financial crime compliance. With experience, opportunities may open in regional roles across Standard Bank's African operations or with the Reserve Bank of Malawi and other financial institutions. Additional certifications like CAMS or ICA qualifications significantly boost advancement prospects.
What benefits are typically offered for this type of role in Malawi?
Banks in Malawi commonly offer medical aid coverage, pension contributions, annual leave, and sometimes performance bonuses or housing allowances. Benefits vary by employer and level of seniority, so it is best to confirm details during the offer stage. Some institutions also support professional development and certification costs.
How do I apply, and what do employers in Malawi look for in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted through the bank's careers portal or via advertised vacancies on job boards and LinkedIn, with a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting relevant AML experience. Employers look for demonstrated knowledge of local AML laws, investigative experience, strong report-writing skills, and integrity. Preparing examples of past investigations and regulatory interactions will strengthen your interview performance.