Pathward, N.A. - Analyst II, BSA/ AML Operations

• Investigate alerts and cases generated from transaction monitoring systems related to merchant acquiring activity, applying risk-based judgment to identify potentially suspicious behavior • Analyze merchant-level transaction data, including payment flows, authorization patterns, MCC codes, chargeback ratios, refund activity, and settlement behavior to identify anomalies and red flags • Transaction laundering / factoring — merchant processing payments for undisclosed or unrelated businesses • Merchant misclassification — incorrect MCC assigned at onboarding or modified to circumvent controls • Prohibited / high-risk merchant activity — merchants operating in prohibited categories concealed at underwriting • Chargeback misrepresentation — merchant disputes legitimate chargebacks fraudulently; cardholder abuse • Load balancing, BIN attacks, velocity attacks — indicative of merchant terminal compromise or coordinated fraud • MID-cycling / BIN-hopping — merchants closing and reopening accounts to evade network violations • Prepare and file SARs with clear, well-structured narratives, ensuring merchant-specific facts, transaction amounts, and typology indicators are articulated • File CTRs accurately and timely in accordance with regulatory standards • Review and investigate partner referrals and escalations involving sponsored merchants, sub-merchants, and payment facilitators • Document investigative findings clearly and accurately within Actimize case management systems • Meet defined SLAs, productivity expectations, and quality standards for the merchant acquiring workstream • Escalate high-risk or complex matters to the Manager, including MATCH list entries, card network monitoring program flags, suspected terrorist financing through merchant fronts, and undisclosed sub-program activity • Maintain current knowledge of BSA/AML and OFAC regulations, FinCEN guidance, card network rules, and evolving merchant acquiring fraud and money laundering typologies • Collaborate with BSA/AML peers, Fraud Operations, and partner oversight teams to ensure comprehensive risk coverage • Bachelor’s degree required (Finance, Criminal Justice, Accounting, Business, or related field) • CAMS or equivalent AML certification strongly preferred • Advanced certifications (e.g., CFE) a plus • 1–3 years of experience in BSA/AML investigations, transaction monitoring, fraud operations, or financial crimes compliance; merchant acquiring or payments experience strongly preferred • Knowledge of merchant acquiring risks including transaction laundering, MCC misclassification, chargeback fraud, and prohibited merchant categories • Familiarity with Actimize, FCRM, or similar transaction monitoring and case management platforms • Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret transaction data, identify patterns, and articulate findings • Working knowledge of BSA/AML regulations, SAR/CTR filing requirements, and FinCEN guidance • Excellent written communication skills, particularly SAR narrative drafting • The responsibilities listed above are not all inclusive and may be changed at any time.