AML Optimization Statistician (AVP/VP) - Malaysia

Company Name:

Lisney Search | Glasford International Malaysia

Note: Open to all nationals, Malaysians and non-Malaysians alike.
The Company
Our Client is a first class global MNC operating in the financial services sector. The company has a strong and growing presence in Malaysia. 
Reporting Structure
Reports to the Lead Statistician
job Purpose:
The Senior Statistician will work in a team to provide expertise and knowledge. The Senior Statistician will be responsible for seeking improvement in methodology or/and creating new solutions – based on subject matter expert knowledge. Although the main target for Senior Statistician will be to support the team in terms of methodology and theoretical/academic knowledge, he/she needs also have practical knowledge and experience to execute the analysis (including extraction of data and programming) without supervision. The Senior Statistician will also supervise the work and analysis carried out by juniors according to the globally consistent methodology and coach the more junior team members
Scope of responsibility generally covers all aspects of analysis performed by the team but not limited to Optimization, Segmentation and Tactical Tuning projects, depending on current needs and project plans.
Requirements include management experience with both data analysis and statistical tools (with an interest in or experience with financial data). Strong background in statistical techniques (especially discriminant analysis, regression, decision trees) and methodology (sampling approaches), financial modeling of capital markets, and/or regulatory/risk analyses is advantageous.  Experience with relational databases (especially Oracle) and SAS software is highly desirable.Fluency in English and very good written and verbal communication skills are necessary
 Job Background/context:
 The group has been rolling out a strategic, globally consistent, repeatable Optimization Program to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the AML transaction monitoring system.  A dedicated Optimization team has been created to perform this important role. 
 In addition, two other main fields are in scope of AML Optimization responsibilities: Segmentation (including review of threshold settings as well as alert risk scoring models) and Tactical Tuning – targeted analysis focusing on scenario effectiveness
Key Responsibilities:
 Supervise and/or conduct data-driven analysis and reports. Apply qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods. Validate data, identify data quality issues (if any) and address them.  Apply rigorous statistical methods to organize, analyze, and interpret data and reports; ensure appropriate methodology is selected to draw conclusions and make recommendations answering specific business needs.

Use visualization techniques to display data and the results of analysis in clear straightforward presentations that can be understood by non-technical readers.  Provide written explanations of approach and analysis in plain language that supports the conclusions and observations. 
Drive quality, reliability and usability of all work products. Evaluate and refine the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data in order to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Innovate and generate new ideas, concepts and models to improve methods of obtaining and evaluating quantitative and qualitative data. Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research. Question and validate assumptions and status quo. Escalate identified risks and sensitive areas in terms of methodology and processes.
Think outside the box and look for new methods to constantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the AML Detection, Monitoring and Operations systems and processes used in the group.
Document solutions and present results in a simple comprehensive way to non-technical audience, as well as write more formal documentation using statistical vocabulary.
Maintain an industry leading knowledge of the tools, systems and processes available for best in class AML Detection and Monitoring Operations.
Coach and supervise juniors, give directions, ensure the quality of analysis and work done and raise the standard of juniors to the next level of excellence and maturity.

Knowledge/Experience:

Strong statistical/data analytical skills, including data quality validation, descriptive statistics and predictive modeling experience.
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience with statistical software packages such as SAS, SPSS, etc.
Knowledge of some programming languages (preferably SQL and/or 4GL)
High proficiency in MS Office, especially MS Excel
Required experience with relational databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, and Data Marts/Data Warehouses.
Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in large, complex environments
Mantas, AML monitoring systems and Spotfire experience a plus
Knowledge of the local/regional laws and regulations applicable to anti-money laundering is a plus
Previous experience with financial services companies is preferred (retail banking, small business banking, commercial, institutional, private banking)

 Skills:

Demonstrates a strong understanding and application of analytical techniques
Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, through all levels of the organization.
Self-motivated with the ability and maturity to make decisions in the absence of detailed instructions
Methodical analysis and problem-solving skills
Initiative, creativity and attention to detail are essential
Conceptual and creative thinking (outside the box)
Able to coordinate and deal with various level and conflicting time demands
Ability to work non-standard business hours, including weekends and holidays as determined by the business needs.

Qualifications:

Master degree in statistics/mathematics/technical science
Degree in economics/banking may be considered if strong analytical skills proved.

 Competencies:

Leadership: Experience of working in a dynamic team and showing leadership qualities. Proven ability to drive results and manage to changing priorities. Provide management and senior management with clear and accurate understanding of opportunities, options, risks and impacts in all aspects of decision making regarding AML systems.
Business acumen:  Ability to analyze and address end-to-end business processes to facilitate transformation projects that improve customer and shareholder value.
Forward thinking: Ability to plan for the unpredictable, evaluate risks and articulate control plans
Teamwork:  Ability to work well with a variety of people and to be flexible in taking on different roles/responsibilities as projects change.
Structured problem solving:  Ability to take a large, complex problem and break it down into components. Ability to rapidly assimilate and comprehend information presented both verbally and in voluminous and technical or legal documentation. 
Creativity: Provide input to the innovation of new and enhanced approaches. Come up with initiative, proactive attitude would be desirable

Interested candidates, please send your CV to
 
Go Poi-Yee         poi-yee.go@lisneysearch.com  / +6012-916 6763                              OR 
Peter Lisney       plisney@lisneysearch.com / +6012-238 5880