Here's a professional, up-to-date job description for a BSA/AML Analyst (Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering Analyst) suitable for a bank, credit union, fintech, or financial services company in 2026. This reflects common responsibilities and requirements seen across recent postings.

Job Title: BSA/AML Analyst

Department: Compliance / Financial Crimes Compliance Reports to: BSA/AML Officer or Compliance Manager Location: [On-site / Hybrid / Remote – specify as needed] Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

The BSA/AML Analyst plays a critical role in protecting the organization from money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and other financial crimes. This position supports the institution’s BSA/AML compliance program by monitoring customer activity, investigating alerts, conducting due diligence, and ensuring adherence to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC regulations, FinCEN guidance, and other applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and possesses strong investigative skills with the ability to identify unusual patterns while maintaining high standards of documentation and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently review and investigate transaction monitoring alerts generated by AML software/systems (e.g., Actimize, FIS Prime, FCRM, or similar) to determine whether activity is suspicious or can be cleared with reasonable explanation.
• Conduct thorough investigations into potential suspicious activity, including analysis of customer profiles, transaction history, source of funds, negative news searches, and other relevant data.
• Prepare detailed, well-written case summaries, supporting documentation, and recommendations for Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing or no-filing decisions; escalate high-risk cases to the BSA/AML Officer.
• Perform Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reviews on high-risk customers (e.g., PEPs, cash-intensive businesses, non-resident aliens, MSBs, fintech partnerships).
• Review and risk-rate new and existing accounts under the Customer Identification Program (CIP) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) rules, including beneficial ownership verification.
• Assist in preparing and filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) and other regulatory reports when required.
• Monitor for OFAC sanctions screening hits and resolve potential matches.
• Identify trends, patterns, and emerging risks in money laundering/terrorist financing schemes; provide input for updating risk assessments and monitoring rules.
• Support regulatory examinations, internal/external audits, and BSA risk assessments by gathering documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Maintain accurate records, case files, and audit trails in compliance with record retention requirements.
• Stay current on BSA/AML regulatory changes, FinCEN advisories, and industry best practices.
• Assist in developing or updating BSA/AML policies, procedures, and training materials as directed.
• Perform other compliance-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Accounting, Compliance, or a related field (preferred); equivalent experience may substitute.
• 2–5+ years of direct BSA/AML compliance experience in banking, credit union, fintech, or regulatory environment, with hands-on transaction monitoring and alert investigation.
• Experience using AML transaction monitoring systems (e.g., NICE Actimize, SAS, FIS, Verafin, or similar) strongly preferred.

Certifications (preferred or required within 1–2 years)

• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) from ACAMS
• Certified BSA/AML Professional (CBAP) or similar designation

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of BSA/AML/OFAC regulations, USA PATRIOT Act, CDD/EDD requirements, and FinCEN guidance.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify red flags and unusual patterns.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel for data analysis); familiarity with case management systems a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills — able to write clear, concise, and defensible narratives.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet regulatory deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment and ethical decision-making.

Ascendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, and we welcome and celebrate diversity. Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Contact information

Ronei Foumia