Financial Crime (AVP)

Purpose: Provide independent second-line oversight, credible challenge and assurance over the Company's Financial Crime Risk framework — spanning Anti-Money Laundering / Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Sanctions & Screening, and Anti-Bribery & Corruption. Ensure financial crime risk is identified, assessed, monitored and mitigated in line with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), IRDAI AML-CFT Guidelines, and Board/Group risk appetite. Act as a trusted advisor to the CRO on the Company's financial crime risk posture and control effectiveness. Main Priorities: Strengthen second-line oversight and effective challenge across AML/CFT, Sanctions and ABC controls. Keep the Financial Crime Risk Framework and risk assessments current with PMLA/IRDAI regulatory change. Build a robust financial crime risk monitoring, assurance and MI capability. Drive timely, quality closure of regulatory and audit observations. Embed financial crime risk considerations into new product, partnership and technology initiatives. Qualifications: Graduate in any discipline; Commerce, Law or Finance background preferred. Postgraduate qualification (MBA / CA / CS / LLB) an advantage. A relevant financial crime / AML certification (e.g. CAMS, ICA Diploma in AML, CFE or equivalent) is preferred but not mandatory. Skills / Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of PML Act and Rules, IRDAI AML-CFT Guidelines, and FIU-IND reporting requirements. Understanding of global sanctions regimes (UN, OFAC, EU) and screening methodologies. Knowledge of Anti-Bribery & Corruption frameworks and their linkage to whistleblowing and conduct risk. Familiarity with life insurance products and processes, distribution models, and sector-specific money laundering and fraud typologies. Ability to interpret transaction monitoring, screening and CDD/EDD data to identify control gaps. Strong written and verbal communication skills for risk reporting to senior committees and the Board. Working knowledge of risk management frameworks — risk appetite, RCSA and assurance methodologies. Proficient in MS Office/Excel; exposure to AML/sanctions screening or case-management systems is an advantage. Experience: 8–12 years of relevant experience in Financial Crime Risk, AML-CFT, Compliance or Audit, with meaningful exposure to life insurance or the broader BFSI sector. Prior experience in a second-line risk/compliance oversight role, or strong first-line financial crime operations experience with a controls orientation. Experience engaging with regulators (IRDAI/FIU-IND) and presenting to senior management or Board committees is preferred.