Director - Compliance

Job Description We are seeking an experienced and proactive professional to join our Compliance team as a Director of International Independent Compliance Testing (ICT). The successful candidate will lead a geographically dispersed team, deliver high-quality independent assurance over regulatory compliance, and partner with senior stakeholders to strengthen the organization’s control environment and culture of compliance. This role requires a balance of technical expertise, leadership capability, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, global regulatory landscape. Responsibilities Global Testing Programme Leadership

• Lead the design, implementation, and execution of a risk-based International Independent Compliance Testing programme across regions, legal entities, and business units.
• Oversee end-to-end testing lifecycle delivery, ensuring adherence to ICT methodology, internal standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Direct multiple concurrent reviews of varying scale and complexity, ensuring consistency, quality, and timely delivery across all engagements.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, leveraging data, insights, and industry best practices.

Risk Identification, Assessment & Reporting

• Provide independent, objective assessment of compliance risks and control effectiveness through rigorous testing and analysis.
• Identify, assess, and clearly articulate regulatory findings, applying professional scepticism and sound judgment.
• Draft and deliver clear, high-quality final review reports, articulating scope, methodology, findings, and risk implications.
• Deliver high-quality, concise, and impactful reporting to senior management and governance forums.

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence

• Develop deep understanding of the organisation’s global business model, products, services, and regulatory obligations.
• Partner closely with Legal Entity Compliance Officers (LECOs) across jurisdictions to ensure testing plans, scope, and review execution are aligned with local regulatory requirements, risk profiles, and business priorities.
• Partner closely with second line risk functions, General Counsel, and Internal Audit to ensure alignment and minimise duplication of effort.
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders across regions, providing credible challenge and driving accountability for risk management.
• Present complex findings and insights with clarity and authority to executive audiences.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing, internationally dispersed team of compliance testing professionals.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven culture, promoting continuous learning and professional growth.
• Set clear expectations, manage performance, and build succession capability within the team.

Framework & Regulatory Alignment

• Contribute to the evolution of the global ICT framework, standards, and procedures to ensure ongoing effectiveness and scalability.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory developments across jurisdictions, translating them into testing strategies and programme enhancements.
• Ensure alignment with evolving industry practices and regulatory expectations.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CRCM or equivalents).
• Significant experience (typically 6+ years) in regulatory compliance, internal/external audit, or assurance within financial services, banking, or payments/card industries.
• Strong understanding of global regulatory frameworks and expectations impacting financial institutions, including cross-border considerations.
• Deep expertise in compliance testing methodologies and control evaluation techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex risk environments and form independent, evidence-based conclusions with integrity and objectivity.
• Proven track record of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership capability, with experience managing and developing teams across multiple locations and cultures.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed, and globally distributed organization.

The stated salary range represents the expected compensation for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors. Employment eligibility to work with American Express is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions The job posting is for an existing vacancy. Benefits 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
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
• 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

American Express is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment in which all people who apply for positions or who work for or on behalf of Amex are treated with dignity and respect and are provided with equal treatment with respect to employment, regardless of that person's age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, colour, ancestry, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, religion or creed, marital status, family status, pregnancy, disability, record of offences, social condition or origin, political beliefs, association or activity or other factors prohibited under applicable Human Rights legislation (the “Prohibited Grounds”). If you have a disability and need accommodation, please speak with the Recruiter for more information. Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations. About Us At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values 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.