Lead, Compliance Program Specialist

Job description

Job Description: At Remitly, we believe everyone deserves the freedom to access, move, and manage their money wherever life takes them. Since 2011, we've tirelessly delivered on our promise to customers sending money globally, providing secure, simple, and reliable ways to manage their money, ensuring true peace of mind. Whether it's supporting loved ones back home, growing a business across continents, or pursuing new opportunities abroad, we're not just here to move money— we're here to move our global customers forward. We're looking for builders, reimaginers, and global thinkers who want to work at the intersection of technology, trust, and transformation. If that's you and you're ready to do the most meaningful work of your career—we invite you to join over 2,800 passionate Remitlians worldwide who are united by our vision to transform lives with trusted financial services that transcend borders. The STAR Operations Quality Assurance Manager will lead and oversee the Quality Assurance function within Remitly’s Anti-Money Laundering Operations, ensuring consistent, high-quality investigative outcomes across teams and geographies. Based in our Manila office, this role is responsible for setting QA strategy, managing a team of QA specialists, and providing independent oversight of AML investigations, including transaction monitoring alerts, escalations, and suspicious activity reviews. The role plays a key part in safeguarding regulatory compliance, strengthening operational controls, and supporting Remitly’s ability to scale responsibly. This role partners closely with AML Operations leadership, Compliance, Training, and regional stakeholders to identify material risks, drive remediation, and continuously improve investigation quality and efficiency. The ideal candidate is a strong people leader with deep AML expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to balance regulatory rigor with operational realities. This is a highly visible role suited for someone who can influence outcomes, challenge constructively, and build a mature QA function that regulators trust and teams respect. Key Responsibilities Lead, coach, and develop a team of AML QA specialists, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a strong culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Own and execute the AML QA strategy, including defining QA frameworks, methodologies, sampling approaches, and quality metrics aligned to regulatory expectations. Oversee independent, risk-based QA reviews of AML investigations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to internal policies and applicable regulatory requirements. Review and validate high-risk, complex, or sensitive QA findings and determine appropriate escalation to AML Operations and Compliance leadership. Analyze QA results to identify systemic issues, emerging risks, and root causes, and translate insights into actionable recommendations. Partner with AML Operations, Training, and QA leadership to design and monitor remediation plans, including training enhancements and process improvements. Lead calibration exercises across teams and regions to ensure consistent application of investigative and QA standards. Prepare and present QA reporting to senior management, including trend analysis, key risk indicators, and progress against remediation. Support regulatory examinations, internal audits, and independent reviews by providing QA documentation, methodology explanations, and subject matter expertise. Contribute to broader AML program maturity by advising on policy updates, tooling enhancements, and scalability initiatives. Candidate Requirements 5+ years of experience in AML/CTF, financial crime operations, compliance, or audit within a regulated financial services environment (payments, fintech, banking, or similar). Demonstrated experience leading or managing a QA, QC, audit, or second-line review function for AML investigations. Strong subject matter expertise in transaction monitoring, suspicious activity investigations, and SAR/STR decision-making. Proven people management experience, including coaching, performance management, and team development. Deep understanding of global AML/CTF regulatory expectations and the application of a risk-based approach across jurisdictions. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and make sound, defensible decisions. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders. Ability to balance independence and challenge with collaboration and operational pragmatism. Experience working with case management systems, QA tools, and data-driven reporting. ACAMS or similar professional certification strongly preferred. #LI-Hybrid Our Benefits: Rice Allowance Transportation Allowance Paid Vacation Medical, Dental & Vision Accident and Life Insurance Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Mental Health & Family Forming Benefits Our Connected Work Culture: Driving Innovation, Together At Remitly, we believe that true innovation sparks when we come together. Our Connected Work Culture fosters dynamic in-person collaboration, where ideas ignite and challenging problems find solutions faster. For corporate team members, we have an in-office expectation of at least 50% of the time monthly, typically achieved by coming in three days a week. This creates a consistent, meaningful overlap that supports team norms and business needs. Managers also have the flexibility to set higher expectations based on their team's specific needs. These intentional in-office moments are vital for deepening relationships, fueling creativity, and ensuring your impact is felt where it matters most. Remitly is an E-Verify Employer At Remitly, we are dedicated to ensuring that our workplace offers equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Remitly is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.