08th April, 2026
Head of Financial Crime (MLRO)
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior Financial Crime professional to take on a country leadership role as Head of Financial Crime / MLRO in Papua New Guinea.
This is a high-impact, senior appointment, responsible for leading financial crime oversight across a well-established international banking operation. The role holds the statutory Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) responsibility in-country and plays a critical part in ensuring compliance with AML/CTF regulatory requirements, while supporting the ongoing maturity of the financial crime framework.
The Opportunity:This role sits within the Second Line of Defence, providing independent oversight, challenge and advisory across financial crime risk. You will work closely with executive leadership, regulators, and group stakeholders, acting as the key point of accountability for financial crime compliance in Papua New Guinea.
This is a unique opportunity to: - Step into the most senior Financial Crime role in-country
- Play a key role in shaping and maturing financial crime frameworks
- Engage directly with regulators, Board and senior leadership
- Contribute to regulatory uplift and transformation initiatives
- Operate within a global organisation with strong governance frameworks
Key Responsibilities - Lead oversight of AML, CTF, sanctions and broader financial crime risk
- Act as the statutory MLRO / AML Compliance Officer
- Provide independent review and challenge of financial crime investigations and escalations
- Oversee transaction monitoring frameworks and identify control gaps
- Provide expert advice to business and risk stakeholders on financial crime matters
- Liaise with regulators, auditors and external stakeholders
- Prepare and present reporting to Board and risk governance forums
- Support ongoing regulatory uplift and transformation initiatives
- Ensure policies, procedures and frameworks remain aligned to regulatory requirements and best practice
About You:You are a senior Financial Crime professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to operate at an executive level.
You will bring: - Extensive experience in AML / CTF / Financial Crime Compliance
- A background within banking or a highly regulated financial institution
- Experience in a Second Line of Defence or similar oversight role
- Strong experience engaging with regulators and senior stakeholders
- The ability to influence, challenge and provide practical, risk-based solutions
- Excellent communication and report writing skills
- A high level of integrity, professionalism and sound judgement
Why Apply: This role offers the opportunity to take on a visible, strategic leadership position. You will play a key role in strengthening financial crime frameworks while working closely with both local and international stakeholders.
Apply For Job