At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this 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.
How will you make an impact in this role?
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Compliance to lead compliance risk identification, management, and mitigation across U.S. Consumer Business Services within the 1st Line of Defense. This role is responsible for advising the business on regulatory obligations and ensuring that front-line activities operate within internal policy and external regulatory frameworks. The ideal candidate has strong subject matter expertise across key banking regulations and excels in balancing risk with practical business needs.
This role is part of a team that executes a variety of 1Line Of Defense compliance activities including:
Advisory:
Providing business-specific Compliance expertise to the Business Unit (BU)
Review customer-facing materials- marketing, letters, disclosures, digital journeys, etc.
Regulatory Change Management:
Executing impact assessments for regulatory changes impacting the BU
Coordinating with BU to implement required changes
New Product Approval:
Coordinating, executing and providing consultation throughout the BU’s NPA process
Drafting NPA risk assessment and driving strong governance around execution
Update BU Risk and Control Assessment based on new and/or revised products
Controls & Issue Management:
Complaints review activity for the BU
Implementation and monitoring of new controls for the BU
Issue Management for the BU, including leading action plan management process and escalating issues to senior management
Reporting, Policies and Procedures:
Compliance metrics tracking and reporting for the BU
Owning, drafting, and updating BU Compliance procedures, and communications for Compliance related BU issues
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the primary 1LOD compliance partner within the business, ensuring adherence to applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., consumer protection, fair lending, privacy, market conduct, etc.)
Proactively identify and assess compliance risks inherent in products, services, processes, and controls
Consult with business leadership and second line compliance to design and implement effective controls and mitigation strategies
Support the execution of business-level compliance risk assessments and control self-assessments
Support regulatory exam readiness, issue remediation, and corrective action planning
Coordinate with compliance, legal, risk, and audit teams to ensure consistent interpretation and application of rules and policies
Provide guidance on new business initiatives, product launches, and system changes to ensure compliance risks are appropriately addressed
Monitor and report compliance performance metrics and emerging risk trends
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, supporting a culture of compliance and accountability.
Qualifications:
7–10+ years of compliance, legal, or risk experience within a financial institution
Deep knowledge of U.S. banking regulations (e.g., BSA/AML, Reg Z, Reg E, Reg W, Fair Lending, UDAAP, etc.)
Experience designing and implementing compliance controls, programs, and assessments
Strong understanding of the regulatory environment and expectations of federal and state banking regulators.
Preferred Qualifications :
Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA) or professional certifications such as CRCM, CAMS, or CCEP. Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, law, or a related field
Experience working with compliance technology tools and issue management systems
Familiarity with global compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, MiFID II) if applicable
Experience in compliance program development
Key Competencies:
Strong business acumen and judgment
Regulatory interpretation and control design expertise
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to influence and advise senior leaders
Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a complex, matrixed environment
ORMCM
Salary Range: $130,000.00 to $205,000.00 annually + bonus + equity (if applicable) + benefits
The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.
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
6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
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