Program Manager, Compliance

About the role

The Manager, AML & Sanctions Program Governance is an individual contributor responsible for overseeing key components of Visa's Global AML and Sanctions Compliance Program, with a focus on risk assessments and controls, governance and reporting activities, audit and assurance management, and program documentation. This role partners closely with Compliance, Legal, Risk, Product, Regional Compliance Offices, and other stakeholders to identify and mitigate compliance risks.

The successful candidate is a collaborative leader with strong compliance expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to drive execution across a complex, global environment.

Product and Business Risk Assessment

• Identify and assess AML, sanctions, financial crime, and regulatory risks associated with proposed initiatives.
• Provide clear, practical guidance to business partners on risk mitigation strategies and compliance requirements.
• Partner with Legal, Product, Risk, and regional teams to address complex compliance issues.

Compliance Advisory and Governance

• Serve as a subject matter expert on AML, sanctions, and related regulatory requirements.
• Support governance forums, working groups, and escalation processes related to compliance risk management.
• Contribute to development and enhancement of compliance policies, procedures, standards, and guidance.
• Assist with regulatory examinations, audits, and internal reviews as needed.

Process Improvement and Innovation

• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, consistency, and scalability across compliance processes.
• Support automation, data analytics, and AI-driven initiatives designed to improve risk assessment and governance capabilities.
• Develop reporting, dashboards, metrics, and management information to support informed decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen compliance program effectiveness.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships across global functions and regions.
• Influence stakeholders through effective risk-based decision making and communication.
• Facilitate discussions among diverse stakeholder groups to achieve alignment on compliance requirements and remediation plans.
• Support training and awareness efforts related to compliance obligations and emerging risks.

Risk Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor emerging regulatory developments, industry trends, and financial crime risks.
• Support compliance risk assessments and ongoing monitoring activities.
• Prepare executive-level presentations, reporting materials, and governance updates.
• Track action items, commitments, and mitigation activities to ensure timely execution.

Visa requires at least 3 days in office, expectations of these days will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 6+ years of experience in AML, sanctions, regulatory compliance, risk management, audit, legal, or a related discipline.
• Experience evaluating regulatory and financial crime risks associated with products, payments, or financial services.

Preferred Qualifications

• CAMS certified
• Experience supporting product development, product governance, or risk assessment processes.
• Knowledge of payments, fintech, card-based products, money movement solutions, emerging payment technologies, and digital assets.
• Familiarity with AML, sanctions, export controls, and related regulatory requirements.
• Experience working in a global, matrixed organization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience leveraging data, reporting tools, or AI-enabled solutions to improve operational effectiveness.

Key Competencies

• Strong risk assessment and critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Executive presence and stakeholder management
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and complex regulatory environments
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Collaboration and partnership orientation

Success Measures

• Delivers timely, high-quality compliance reviews and risk assessments.
• Effectively identifies and mitigates regulatory and financial crime risks.
• Builds trusted partnerships across Product, Risk, Legal, and regional teams.
• Drives measurable improvements in compliance processes, governance, and reporting.
• Contributes to a strong culture of compliance while enabling responsible business growth.

Pay and benefits

For roles located in the US, the estimated salary range for this position is $115,600 to $184,500 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.

Work Hours

Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements

This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.