FULL TIME
IL-BELT VALLETTA, MALTA
FULL DAY
26 August 2026
Ref: 451762

Job Title: Principal Officer Office: Anti-Financial Crime Reports To: Manager and MLRO Designate Department: Anti-Financial Crime Date: July 2026 Job Purpose: To assist the Anti-Financial Crime Department in the updating and maintaining a risk-based framework in order for the Central Bank of Malta to fulfil its Anti-Financial Crime functions across all of its activities. To ensure that the Bank has Sanctions screening capabilities in line with Regulations in force, and that sanctions systems are calibrated correctly. Analyse information received from correspondent banks and address AML economic sanctions-related alerts. Working closely and in conjunction with the MLRO & MLRO Designate who provide direction for the department. The incumbent may be required to work on an extended timetable till 18:00. Technical / Functional Responsibilities:

Assist with the responsibility for the Anti-Financial Crime Department within the Central Bank of Malta. The Department reports directly to the Board of Directors.
Assist the MLRO and MLRO Designate, where required, with periodical reporting to the FIAU and the MFSA, fulfilling fully the expectations of AML legislation for reporting officers.
Guide, manage and assist the Anti-Financial Crime Team appointed for activities undertaken.
Assist in the coordination of all matters relating to financial crime compliance within the Central Bank of Malta (including not only AML/CFT but also Sanctions).
Assist in the compilation of the business risk assessment (BRA), the customer risk assessment (CRA) and the jurisdictional risk assessment (JRA) for the institution.
Assist in the development of effective methodologies to understand clients, participants and partners and enable due diligence reporting.
Regular monitoring of internal processes to ensure that all procedures are being followed and implemented.
Check periodically the level of due diligence being performed within the Bank, including spot-checks. Responsibility for remediation where gaps are identified.
Assist in the drafting and updating of policies and procedures.
Set-up of systems across the Bank to ensure that regular communication and continuous updating of relevant changes are shared between functions.
Assist the MLRO Designate with managing any projects relating to the adoption of compliance software applications and the migration of data thereto.
Update and maintain, where necessary, the methodology for the screening of activities for international sanctions.
Assist the MLRO with the development and delivering effective training programmes to support client-facing employees in keeping current with developments on AML/CFT and other anti-financial crime matters.
Keep up to date with typologies and trends in anti-financial crime matters.
Assist in the development, implementation and maintenance of a transaction monitoring regime.
Have full ownership, together with the MLRO Designate, of the department's Operational Risk Management (ORM), Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Operational Risk Incident roles and responsibilities, support the Head of Department, and assist and supervise the Operational Risk Coordinators (ORCs) with the internal execution of the ORM, BCM, Business Impact Assessment (BIA) and Operational Risk Incident Reporting processes.
Finance and Budgeting - assist the Head of Department in the compilation of the periodic budget requirements and review, especially the yearly budgeting process.
Fire Marshalls - ensure that the team is aware of the procedures in place in case of emergencies and periodic testing of fire alarms etc... Projects
Assist the MLRO Designate with managing any projects relating to the adoption of compliance software applications and the migration of data thereto, in order to ensure a smooth transition and also that the specifications of the software is in line with expectations and is fit for purpose.
In line with the above, ensure that the department staff have the required training and procedures are set-up to ensure a full understanding of the compliance software applications being utilised. Others
The incumbent has to be considered an all-rounder, and as such training will be provided where necessary in order to ensure that skills are enhanced to expand the skill set.
Lead and mentor the team in International Sanctions, especially the manual process around adjudicating alerts.
Make recommendations on the validity, or otherwise, of tools to monitor, analyse, and report suspicious activity and help in identifying potential weaknesses in processes.
Ensure proper record-keeping of data collected and analysed.
Ensure that complete and updated records are collected and held which are required to adequately monitor the Bank’s relationship with its customers, to understand the customer’s ongoing business and activities, and if necessary, to provide an audit trail in the event of disputes, legal action, inquiries and investigations that could lead to regulatory actions or criminal prosecution.
Participate in committees, working groups and task forces (local or ESCB), where required.
Produce management information when required.
Develop and maintain Working Instructions and Policies and Procedures documentation relevant to the post.
Ensure that policies and procedures are followed and to report any non-compliance.
Maintain Business Continuity Plans to address processes which have a high business impact. General / Managerial Responsibilities:
Deputise for the manager in his/her absence.
Managing the performance management system and employee reward programs, develop staff competences and skills within the framework of adequate communication and teamwork to induce excellent results.
Assist in the development and managing a Team of compliance experts.
Report on activities undertaken.
Direct subordinates in meeting their work objectives.
Ensure a high quality / standard of work and service throughout.
Support a culture that encourages teamwork, quality and timeliness in achieving
goals.
Identify staff training requirements.
Assess the performance of staff falling within the area of responsibility.
Performs any other duties which may be assigned from time to time. Competencies and Proficiency Levels Within the context of their specific tasks, the incumbent is expected:
To be truthful and honest;
To have a positive, can-do attitude;
To share the Bank’s intolerance of sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and racism, and to be respectful and caring towards others irrespective of sexual, religious and political orientation;
To carry out their tasks professionally and ethically;
To communicate effectively;
To have a sense of the value of time and priorities;
To respect security and confidentiality; and
To be able to lead and to work in teams as may be the case. Experience and Qualifications
A master’s degree at MQF Level 7 in Banking and Finance or Economics or a related discipline and four years related work experience and proven ability in carrying out the tasks outlined in the job description. OR First degree in Banking and Finance or Economics or a related discipline (at MQF Level 6), and a certification in Anti-Money Laundering and six years related work experience together with proven ability in carrying out the tasks outlined in the job description.
Extensive knowledge on all AML CFT and Sanctions processes including comprehensive knowledge of the laws and regulations covering AML CFT and sanctions, especially in regard to Due Diligence.
A good understanding of the general payments landscape.
Excellent communication, organisation, management and interpersonal skills together with sound supervisory skills.
Problem solving and critical thinking skills are essential.
Ability to formulate policy documents.
Willing to travel on official duty, if required.
Ability to meet tight deadlines.
Highly-motivated and demonstrates strong leadership and planning abilities.
Strong knowledge of retail banking operations, accounting and current financial market practices.
Very good analytical skills, with the ability to organise and analyse complex data sets.
Computer literacy and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access) and Business Intelligence is essential.
Ability to use pivot tables and work with an advanced statistical database and statistical methods and functions.
Familiarity with AML issues and suspicious transaction monitoring systems would be considered as an asset.
Experience using KYC automated solutions.
Ability to easily grasp and comprehend AML risks specific to a particular business unit and develop extensive user requirements as well as recommend automated solutions to reduce those risks.
Must have project management skills.
Strong written, communication and presentation skills.
Knowledge in written and spoken Maltese would be considered an asset.
Must be proactive in problem solving and must have a high level of attention to detail.
Preferably some legal or regulatory experience.
A disposition to work on an extended timetable till 18:00. The contract of employment offered by the Bank will be for a definite period of one year, which may be converted to an indefinite period or renewed. Working Relationships and Lines of Communication Internal
Superiors to provide feedback
Technology Services for specialist support.
Legal Department.
Internal Audit Department.
Payments & Banking Operations Department.
Operational Risk Management Office.
Other offices, with respect to KYC requirements. External
Credit and financial Institutions
Financial Investigative Analysis Unit
Malta Financial Services Authority
ESCB working groups and other international bodies
The Bank’s counterparties
Software suppliers Physical Dimensions Five staff members report to this position.

Profiles

ISCED Level: Bachelor or equivalent - Level (6)

Subjects:

Subject Level Grade

BANKING

LAUNDERING

Subjects:

Subject Level Grade

FINANCE

LAUNDERING

Subjects:

Subject Level Grade

ECONOMICS

LAUNDERING

Competencies

This vacancy does not require any Competencies

Past Experience

Occupation

Experience(months)

ANTI FRAUD AGENT

Driving Licences

No Driving Licenses required for this vacancy

Remarks

Parastatal

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Principal Officer Anti-Financial Crime – Anti-Financial Crime

Job Description