Pacific Premier Bank Looking for AML Monitoring Analyst II at Irvine, CA  Full Time

The AML Monitoring Analyst II analyzes account transactions for unusual, out of pattern or suspicious activity. The AML Monitoring Analyst II will typically be assigned alerts generated from rules that are more complex and/or higher risk for financial crime. Responsibilities include understanding of all transaction monitoring rules underlying AML typologies and then reviewing and analyzing transaction alerts to assess whether the alerted activity is consistent with customer expectations and/or nature of the business and then appropriately disposition as non-suspicious or escalate the alert to case for further investigation. The AML Monitoring Analyst II will may also review and disposition Watchlist Monitoring alerts for escalation and reporting, including OFAC, 314(a) and PEP alerts. May also be required to complete and file Currency Transaction Reports, as well other required monitoring and recordkeeping and reporting including but not limited to, monetary instrument reporting and AML System validation. Recommends course of action to management based on an analysis of the findings and documents the analysis in the Bank’s case management system. Supports the company’s compliance efforts with the Banking Security Act (BSA).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review and analyze assigned automated transaction alerts produced from the bank’s AML monitoring system. Conducts sufficient analysis of the customer patterns and activities in order to Provide clear written statement supporting disposition decision and documentation within the AML software.
• Meet productivity and quality expectations.
• Reviews assigned watchlist filtering alerts and assesses the probability of actual customer matches using various investigative tools and research.
• Review bi-weekly FinCEN 314(a) alerts, as well as any special 314(a) postings by FinCEN. Review and research all applicable Watch List Alerts, document findings, notify management of any positive matches, and report to FinCEN as required.
• Performs OFAC research to determine if alert is a true match or false positive. Ensures any true matches to any of the Bank’s screening lists are appropriately escalated to the BSA Officer for further action (e.g., blocking, freezing, reporting to OFAC, etc.) As assigned, may act as liaison with OFAC as needed for guidance or instructions for handling potential OFAC matches.
• Reviews PEP watchlist alerts and performs research to document findings and notify management of true positive matches to ensure compliance with the Bank’s PEP Policy and procedure.
• Following established procedures and using system reports, reviews cash transaction for potential Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR). Responsible for preparing and filing CTRs, ensuring transactions are appropriately aggregated and reported to FinCEN.
• Identify customers that may qualify for CTR exemption.
• Performs data validation checks from established reports to ensure data from the core system is properly ingested into the AML software. Notifies management should any unanticipated discrepancies in the data be noted on reports.
• Manually enters data that is not captured electronically, may include making necessary corrections to data in the AML software, when necessary.
• Reviews Monetary Instrument Log (MIL) information entered by the branches via Horizon and communicates with branches to accurately complete the log, as needed.
• Review and document other monitoring reports as needed.
• Maintains a deep and thorough understanding of money laundering and financial crime typologies/red flags and terrorist financing typologies and red flags as well as a thorough understanding of various predicate offenses to money laundering and is able to apply those concepts to the analysis of customer transaction activity and behavior to identify activity consistent with the typologies.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of the BSA/AML suspicious activity detection requirements, USA PATRIOT Information Sharing 314(a)(b), and OFAC Sanctions compliance requirements. Has appropriate understanding to know when to escalate cases to the AML Monitoring and Operations Manager, Director of BSA Operations or Chief BSA Officer as appropriate.
• Keeps management apprised of issues or emerging risks.
• Participates in ongoing training to maintain current knowledge of BSA/AML and OFAC new and emerging money laundering and financial crime typologies and risks as well as regulatory requirements.
• Keeps abreast of Bank policy, procedure, systems, products and services. Monitors industry trends relative to money laundering or fraud schemes including detection and reporting of suspicious activity.
• Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 years banking experience required.
• 2 years BSA experience required.
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or equivalent current professional certification(s) preferred.

A reasonable, good faith estimate of the minimum and maximum base salary or pay for this position is $24.53 to $36.79. Actual compensation will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. A discretionary bonus and/or business line incentive may be provided, in addition to a medical and other benefits, dependent on the position. For more information regarding our benefits, please visit