Director - First Line of Defense (1LOD) Regulatory Compliance Advisory

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director – First Line of Defense (1LOD) Regulatory Compliance Advisory professional to support U.S. Commercial Card and Payments businesses. This role is a key member of the GCS Regulatory Advisory Practices team, responsible for ensuring that business activities operate in full compliance with applicable U.S. laws, regulations, and internal policies. 

This role provides proactive regulatory guidance to business leaders, with a strong emphasis on consumer protection, commercial card, and payments regulations, including requirements related to customer treatment, disclosures, billing practices, and data usage. This individual will play a critical role in translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable business practices, while ensuring alignment with enterprise compliance frameworks and regulatory expectations. 

The position requires extensive collaboration across business units, Compliance (2LOD), Legal, Risk, and Audit, and includes program management responsibilities supporting regulatory change management, exam readiness, and remediation efforts. The ideal candidate demonstrates deep knowledge of U.S. regulatory frameworks governing payments and lending products and can effectively balance regulatory expectations with business objectives.

• Serve as a 1LOD regulatory compliance advisor for U.S. commercial card and payments products, ensuring adherence to applicable regulations (e.g., UDAAP, Regulation Z, Regulation B, Regulation E, GLBA/privacy, and applicable state consumer protection laws)
• Translate regulatory requirements into clear business requirements, controls, and operational processes across the customer lifecycle (origination, onboarding, servicing, billing, and collections)
• Drive implementation and sustainability of regulatory controls, including those related to disclosures, billing accuracy, customer communications, error resolution, and customer treatment
• Monitor, analyze, and report on compliance risk metrics, customer impact indicators, and control effectiveness
• Ensure timely escalation of regulatory risks and potential concerns to senior management
• Lead and coordinate the identification and assessment of compliance risks
• Partner with business leaders and Compliance (2LOD) to design and enhance controls
• Support and execute compliance risk assessments (RCSA) and control monitoring activities
• Lead regulatory exam readiness and response efforts
• Support regulatory issue remediation and corrective action plans 
• Ensure consistent interpretation of regulatory requirements
• Provide regulatory guidance on new products and changes
• Promote a culture of compliance and accountability

• 7–10+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, or governance within a financial institution
• Strong knowledge of U.S. regulatory frameworks including UDAAP, Regulation Z, Regulation B, Regulation E, and GLBA
• Experience supporting regulatory exams (CFPB, OCC, Federal Reserve)
• Expertise in compliance risk assessments and control design
• Strong understanding of customer lifecycle risks
• Proven ability to manage regulatory change initiatives
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and communication skills

Preferred:

• Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA) or professional certifications such as CRCM, CAMS, or CCEP Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, law, or a related field
• Knowledge of commercial payments industry advantageous

Key Competencies:

• Strong business acumen and judgment
• Regulatory interpretation and control design expertise
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to influence and advise senior leaders
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a complex, matrixed environment

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.

We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
• Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit our Colleague Benefits Site.