Director, Financial Crime Analytics and Model Validation

About the role

The Director, Financial Crime (FC) Analytics & Model Validation is an enterprise leader responsible for the strategy, governance, and independent validation of financial crime models (Name Screening, Transaction Monitoring, Client Risk Rating). The role ensures models are risk-based, effective, and audit-defensible, aligned with regulatory expectations (e.g., OSFI, FINTRAC, OFAC/OFSI) and the firm's risk appetite. You will partner across Compliance, Technology, Data Science, and Model Risk to enhance detection effectiveness, regulatory defensibility, and operational efficiency. What will you do? 1. Model Validation & Governance Own the enterprise model governance framework for FC detection models Lead independent validation across NS, TM, and CRR models Assess conceptual soundness, data integrity, and model assumptions Execute validation techniques (back-testing, sensitivity, benchmarking) Evaluate key performance metrics (e.g., false positives, alert conversion) Ensure alignment with global regulatory standards and model risk principles Produce clear, defensible validation reports for senior management and regulators 2. Model Tuning & Performance Monitoring Lead ongoing model calibration to reflect evolving financial crime risks Optimize thresholds to balance detection effectiveness and efficiency Establish model performance monitoring frameworks and KPIs/KRIs Identify model drift, data issues, and emerging risk typologies Recommend model enhancements, recalibration, or redevelopment Maintain accurate model inventory and documentation 3. Data & Analytics Oversight Oversee data sourcing, lineage, and controls supporting FC models Define and enforce data quality standards (accuracy, completeness, timeliness) Leverage analytics to identify model gaps and emerging risks Ensure end-to-end traceability from data to model outputs Promote advanced analytics (AI/ML) with strong explainability standards Support adoption of model interpretability tools where appropriate 4. Regulatory & Audit Engagement Act as primary lead for regulatory and audit interactions on FC models Provide subject matter expertise on model validation practices Support regulatory exams and remediation initiatives Ensure findings are documented, prioritized, and tracked to closure 5. Leadership & Strategy Define and evolve the FC model validation strategy and governance framework Lead the roadmap for analytics and model validation capabilities Present recommendations to executive governance forums (e.g., Model Committees) Balance detection, operational impact, and regulatory expectations in decisions Drive enterprise alignment across regions and stakeholders Promote a culture of independence, challenge, and continuous improvement What do you need to succeed? 10+ years in financial crime analytics, model validation, or model risk Expertise across TM, sanctions screening, and risk scoring models Advanced knowledge of statistical techniques, model validation methodologies, and performance metrics. Deep understanding of regulatory expectations and audit defensibility 5+ years with hands-on experience with screening and transaction monitoring systems (e.g., Actimize, NetReveal, Firco) Proficiency in analytics tools (Python, R, SQL, SAS) Strong data governance and data quality knowledge Proven ability to communicate complex models to executives and regulators Strong judgment, stakeholder management, and influencing skills Preferred Skills: Experience in large, global financial institutions Advanced degree in a quantitative discipline Unique Requirements: Occasionally will be expected to participate in meetings before or after core business hours to connect with global business partners This role requires Reliability Status Clearance. In addition to a law enforcement inquiry and a credit check, as part of your application, the Government of Canada will ask if you lived or travelled outside of Canada for 6-consecutive months during the last 5 years, and you must account for all activities during this time. What's in it for you? Hybrid work environment A friendly, collaborative, and inclusive culture 20 vacation days per year Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security The opportunity to move along a variety o

Benefits

Additional Information

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you'll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world. Job Description:

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