Job Information
American Express Director - Compliance (First Line of Defense) in New York, New York
Director - Compliance (First Line of Defense)
New York, NY, United States(Hybrid)
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director – First Line of Defense (1LOD) Regulatory Advisory professional. This role will be a key part of the GCS Regulatory Advisory Practices team, which is responsible for advising business leaders on regulatory obligations and ensuring that front-line activities operate within internal policy and external regulatory frameworks. The role will involve extensive collaboration with partners across business units, functional areas, and geographies, and will provide program management support to the Regulatory Advisory Practices team. The ideal candidate has strong subject matter expertise across key banking regulations, including financial crime and excels in balancing risk with practical business needs.
Responsibilities
Serve as a partner within the business, ensuring adherence to applicable regulatory requirements (e.g. financial crime, consumer protection, fair lending, privacy, market conduct, etc.).
Monitor and report compliance performance metrics and emerging risk trends.
Ensure clear communication of risks up to top level management; reporting on progress, raise key decisions and issues for resolution where needed.
Coordinate the identification and assessment compliance risks inherent in products, services, processes, and controls.
Consult with business leadership and second line compliance to design and implement effective controls and mitigation strategies.
Support the execution of business-level compliance risk assessments and control self-assessments.
Support regulatory exam readiness, issue remediation, and corrective action planning.
Coordinate with compliance, legal, risk, and audit teams to ensure consistent interpretation and application of rules and policies.
Provide guidance on new business initiatives, product launches, and system changes to ensure compliance risks are appropriately addressed.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, supporting a culture of compliance and accountability.
Qualifications
7–10+ years of risk, compliance or program management experience within a financial institution, preferably in a business-aligned or first line of defense role.
Strong understanding of the regulatory environment and expectations of global regulators.
Excellent project/program management and organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to build relationships across 1 and 2 LOD.
Preferred:
Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA) or professional certifications such as CRCM, CAMS, or CCEP. Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, law, or a related field.
Knowledge of commercial payments industry advantageous
Key Competencies:
Strong business acumen and judgment
Regulatory interpretation and control design expertise
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to influence and advise senior leaders
Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a complex, matrixed environment
Guardian
Depending on factors such as business unit requirements, the nature of the position, cost and applicable laws, American Express may provide visa sponsorship for certain positions.
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values (https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/company/who-we-are/) and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:
Competitive base salaries
Bonus incentives
6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
Career development and training opportunities
For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit out Colleague Benefits Site (https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/colleagues/benefits) .
American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. American Express will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. For positions covered by federal and/or state banking regulations, American Express will comply with such regulations as it relates to the consideration of applicants with criminal convictions.
We back our colleagues with the support they need to thrive, professionally and personally. That's why we have Amex Flex, our enterprise working model that provides greater flexibility to colleagues while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite, in a hybrid model (combination of in-office and virtual days) or fully virtually.
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The below represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.
Job Info
Job Identification 26005852
Job Category Network
Posting Date 04/17/2026, 05:00 AM
Apply Before 05/01/2026, 05:00 AM
Degree Level Bachelor's Degree
Job Schedule Full time
Job Shift Day
Locations AMEX World Financial Center, New York, NY, 10285, USVirtual Location NorthCarolina, Raleigh, NC, 27601, US18850 N 56th Street Building 1, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, US(Hybrid)
Salary Range $123,000.00 to $215,250.00 annually + bonus + equity (if applicable) + benefits
Career Area Corporate Functions