Director, FIU – Typology Investigations & Strategic Analysis

Lead the FIU’s Typology Investigations & Strategic Analysis (TISA) function. Integrate advanced intelligence tradecraft, proactive collection, and data-driven controls to identify, investigate, and mitigate complex AML/TF and consumer fraud risks across products and geographies. Direct high-impact typology investigations (e.g., terrorist financing, human trafficking, consumer fraud), translate fragmented signals into actionable intelligence, and oversee enterprise strategy, governance, and performance of real-time transaction controls (RTRA) for AML and fraud exposure. Partner across Enterprise Risk, Compliance & Cyber (ERCC)—including transaction monitoring, analytics, sanctions, and risk assessment—to embed typology-driven insights into compliance and risk processes. Represent FIU externally with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, NGOs, and industry forums. Reinforce the FIU as the organization’s center of analytic and typology expertise, equipping the team to deliver complex, ad hoc, and innovation work for Compliance leadership and enterprise priorities.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead typology investigations. Direct comprehensive investigations into high-risk typologies (e.g., terrorist financing, human trafficking, consumer fraud). Ensure rapid triage, rigorous case development, and decisive risk mitigation informed by pattern analysis and intelligence.
• Drive strategic analysis & enterprise mitigation. Assess typology threats at scale across Western Union’s products and services. Apply structured analytic techniques and threat modeling to convert fragmented signals into enterprise-level mitigation strategies and enhance detection models and controls.
• Enhance proactive intelligence collection. Institutionalize open-source intelligence gathering and rapid response to global developments. Generate high-quality investigative leads and maintain updated risk pictures across typologies and markets.
• Set transaction control strategy (AML & fraud). Oversee design, approval, implementation, and performance of real-time controls. Establish governance, decision rights, and metrics that balance risk mitigation with customer experience.
• Strengthen governance & operational discipline. Build dashboards, KPIs/KRIs, and oversight mechanisms for investigations, intelligence products, and controls. Ensure audit/exam readiness and consistent documentation standards.
• Innovate across methods, tools & data. Champion modernization of investigative and analytic methodologies. Oversee adoption of tools and platforms such as Python, Snowflake, automation, and ML to expand capacity, reduce cost, and improve precision.
• Integrate typology intelligence across compliance & risk. Embed typology insights into compliance and risk management processes. Partner with Regional Compliance, Analytics, Sanctions, and Risk Assessment to drive system enhancements and scalable solutions.
• Equip and maintain TISA as an enterprise resource. Position TISA as the organization’s expert resource for analytics and systems. Ensure readiness for complex, ad hoc, and innovation work supporting FIU and enterprise priorities.
• Represent FIU internally & externally. Act as a typology and analytic expert with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and industry forums. Serve as a strategic partner to Compliance leadership across critical functions.
• Develop talent & culture. Mentor investigators and analysts; elevate typology expertise and intelligence tradecraft. Drive engagement through clear goals, recognition, growth pathways, and inclusive practices that promote collaboration and high performance.

Role Requirements

• AML Typology & Intelligence Expertise: Deep experience applying typologies and intelligence methodologies; ability to translate evolving threats into investigations, program changes, and enterprise controls.
• Analytic & Intelligence Tradecraft: Mastery of structured techniques, threat modeling, and pattern recognition; skilled at converting fragmented signals into actionable insights at scale.
• Innovation Leadership: Proven ability to advance methods, adopt new technologies (Python, Snowflake, ML), and enhance operational oversight.
• Technical Fluency: Proficiency with modern data analysis and visualization tools and compliance case management systems; ability to turn investigative leads and intelligence into effective data analytic approaches.
• Operational Excellence: Strong documentation discipline, audit readiness, and governance experience.
• Leadership & Influence: Success leading multi-jurisdictional teams and aligning cross-functional partners to deliver enterprise-scale outcomes.
• External Representation: Ability to represent FIU with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and industry forums.
• Communication & Change Enablement: Clear, concise communicator; adept at guiding teams through change.

Preferred Experience / Skills

• 6–8+ years of relevant experience in retail/consumer financial services/payment services organizations with multiple financial products.
• 5+ years experience in a compliance management role focusing on anti-money laundering responsibilities.
• 5+ years developing and applying structured analytic techniques and threat modeling in financial services, government, or regulated industries.
• Deep knowledge of major AML typologies (terrorist financing, human trafficking, organized crime, consumer fraud).
• Engagement with law enforcement and intelligence agencies; experience in public speaking or executive briefings.
• Hands-on experience designing and tuning real-time transaction controls; familiarity with performance metrics and customer experience trade-offs.
• Familiarity with Python, Snowflake/SQL, automation, and dashboards (Power BI/Tableau); hands-on technical proficiency is a plus.
• Experience establishing KPIs/KRIs, governance routines, and audit readiness programs.
• Success partnering with Technology, Product, Data Science, and Compliance functions to deliver enterprise-scale risk mitigation.
• 5+ years managing investigative and analytic teams; ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Graduate degree preferred; AML/financial crime certifications (CAMS, CFCS, ACAMS Advanced) a plus.

We make financial services accessible to humans everywhere. Join us for what’s next.

Western Union is positioned to become the world’s most accessible financial services company —transforming lives and communities. We’re a diverse and passionate customer-centric team of over 8,000 employees serving 200 countries and territories, reaching customers and receivers around the globe. More than moving money, we design easy-to-use products and services for our digital and physical financial ecosystem that help our customers move forward.

Just as we help our global customers prosper, we support our employees in achieving their professional aspirations. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and build a career, as well as receive a great compensation package. If you’re ready to help drive the future of financial services, it’s time for Western Union. Learn more about our purpose and people at https://careers.westernunion.com/.

Salary

The base salary range is $165,000 – $180,000 USD per year, total on target compensation includes a base salary plus long-term and short-term incentives that align with individual and company performance.

Benefits

You will also have access to short-term incentives, multiple health insurance options, accident and life insurance, and access to best-in-class development platforms, to name a few (https://careers.westernunion.com/global-benefits/). Please see the location-specific benefits below and note that your Recruiter may share additional role-specific benefits during your interview process or in an offer of employment.

Your United States – specific benefits include:

• Family First Program
• Flexible Time off
• Medical, Dental and Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Parental Leave

Western Union values in-person collaboration, learning, and ideation whenever possible. We believe this creates value through common ways of working and supports the execution of enterprise objectives which will ultimately help us achieve our strategic goals. By connecting face-to-face, we are better able to learn from our peers, problem-solve together, and innovate. 

Our Hybrid Work Model categorizes each role into one of three categories. Western Union has determined the category of this role to be Hybrid. This is defined as a flexible working arrangement that enables employees to divide their time between working from home and working from an office location. The expectation is to work from the office a minimum of three days a week. 

For residents of Colorado, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania: Please do not respond to any questions on this initial application that may seek age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You may also redact this information from any materials you submit during the application process. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

We are passionate about belonging. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive culture that celebrates the unique backgrounds and perspectives of our global teams while reflecting the communities we serve. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. The company will provide accommodation to applicants, including those with disabilities, during the recruitment process, following applicable laws.

Estimated Job Posting End Date:

02-28-2026

This application window is a good-faith estimate of the time that this posting will remain open. This posting will be promptly updated if the deadline is extended or the role is filled.