Financial Crime Risk Assessment Data Scientist

Introduction

Since 1973, East West Bank has served as a pathway to success. With over 110 locations across the U.S. and Asia, we are the premier financial bridge between the East and West. Our teams of experienced, multi-cultural professionals help guide businesses and community members on both sides of the Pacific looking to explore new markets and create new opportunities, and our sustained growth and expertise in industries like real estate, entertainment and media, private equity and venture capital, and high-tech help build sustainable businesses and expand our associates’ potential for career advancement. Headquartered in California, East West Bank (Nasdaq: EWBC) is a top-performing commercial bank with a strong foundation, an enterprising spirit and a commitment to absolute integrity. East West Bank gives people the confidence to reach further.

Overview

The Financial Crime Risk Assessment Data Scientist is responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the Bank's Enterprise BSA/AML and OFAC/Sanctions Risk Assessment reporting through data collection, advanced analytics, and risk analysis. This role partners closely with Business Intelligence and business stakeholders to identify, source, and analyze data required to support quantitative risk assessment inputs and evaluate trends across customers, products, services, transactions, delivery channels, and geographic exposures.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical and analytical capabilities with a solid understanding of BSA/AML regulatory requirements and risk assessment methodologies. This individual is a hands-on contributor who takes ownership of deliverables, effectively manages multiple priorities, and drives initiatives from concept through execution with a high degree of accountability, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. The successful candidate is a proactive problem solver who can translate business requirements to technical requirements to generate meaningful data output.

Responsibilities

Financial Crime Risk Assessment & Analytics

• Support the annual, quarterly, and ad hoc BSA/AML and OFAC/Sanctions Risk Assessment processes through data collection, quality control (QC) validation, and quantitative reporting.
• Develop and execute complex data queries to support risk assessments, thematic reviews, regulatory examinations, audit requests, and management reporting.
• Validate the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of data used within financial crime risk assessment methodologies.
• Own and maintain technical requirements, data mapping, and complex query logic supporting ongoing risk factor calibration exercises and methodology enhancements.
• Maintain detailed procedural documentation supporting the risk assessment data collection, transformation, and QC validation processes. 

Data Management & Technical Analysis

• Write, optimize, and maintain complex SQL queries and perform data extraction, transformation, and analysis from multiple source systems.
• Partner with Business Intelligence, Data Governance, IT, and system owners to understand data sources, data lineage, and reporting requirements.
• Create repeatable analytical processes and documentation to improve efficiency, consistency, and auditability.
• Support dashboard development and reporting automation initiatives using tools such as SQL, Excel, Power BI, and other analytical platforms.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Manage multiple assignments and projects simultaneously while meeting established deadlines and quality expectations.
• Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders to gather requirements, obtain data, validate assumptions, and communicate results and key findings.
• Track assigned tasks, manage dependencies, and proactively escalate risks or issues that may impact delivery timelines.
• Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability by independently driving assigned initiatives through completion with minimal oversight

Governance & Regulatory Support

• Support internal audit, regulatory examination, and independent review activities by providing data analysis, documentation, and evidence.
• Contribute to ongoing enhancements of financial crime risk assessment frameworks, methodologies, and governance processes related to data.
• Assist in maintaining audit-ready documentation and ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations and internal risk management standards.

 

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in BSA/AML, financial crime compliance, risk management, data analytics, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting BSA/AML Risk Assessments within a large financial institution.
• Advanced SQL querying and data analytics skills with the ability to analyze large and complex data sets.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and data visualization/reporting tools such as Power BI or similar platforms.
• Solid understanding of BSA/AML, sanctions, regulatory expectations, and financial crime risk assessment methodologies.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data quality and accuracy.
• Demonstrated accountability, ownership, and ability to independently drive assignments to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate requirements to technical stakeholders and data owners to facilitate data collection and analysis.

Preferred

• Consulting experience supporting banking, regulatory compliance, risk management, or financial crime programs.

Success Characteristics

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Highly motivated self-starter who takes ownership and follows through on commitments.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
• Detail-oriented while maintaining focus on broader business objectives.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong relationships across functions.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Compensation

The base pay range for this position is USD $75,000.00/Yr. - USD $100,000.00/Yr. Exact offers will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.