Director, AML/CTF & Financial Crime Compliance

Bertrange, Luxembourg

Palana is a regulatory and compliance consulting firm based in Luxembourg, specialising in the investment fund industry and the broader financial services sector. We advise leading asset managers, management companies, fund administrators and financial institutions on AML/CTF, financial crime compliance and regulatory matters across a broad range of asset classes and structures.

As Director, AML/CTF & Financial Crime Compliance, you will define and drive the strategic direction of Palana's financial crime practice. You will combine recognised subject- matter expertise with strong leadership and business development capabilities — owning senior client relationships, shaping the firm's positioning on financial crime matters and strengthening the team around you.

This role is for a practitioner who has operated at the highest level of the Luxembourg compliance landscape — someone who understands the regulatory expectations of the CSSF, FIU and AED not just technically, but strategically, and who can translate that authority into lasting value for Palana's clients.

Make Your Mark

At Palana, Directors shape the direction ofthe firm. You will have the platform, the mandates and the team to make a real impact — and to position Palana as a leading voice in Luxembourg's financial crime compliance landscape.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic direction ofPalana's AML/CTF & Financial Crime Compliance practice, aligned with the firm's wider objectives
• Act as the ultimate authority on financial crime matters — providing guidance on AML/CTF, sanctions, market abuse, fraud and related regulatory frameworks across a portfolio of complex client mandates
• Own relationships with clients at board and C-suite level; serve as the primary escalation point for sensitive regulatory, compliance and reputational matters
• Act as RC or support RC mandates for regulated entities, including ManCos, AIFMs and other CSSF-supervised institutions
• Oversee corporate risk management frameworks for clients — identification, assessment, quantification and annual regulatory reporting
• Maintain direct and trusted relationships with CSSF, FIU and AED on behalf of clients and the firm

• Lead business development initiatives — proposals, client introductions, thought leadership and representation at industry events

• Strengthen and develop the team — coaching, structured development plans and succession planning across the practice

Must Have

• 12+ years of experience in AML/CTF, Financial Crime Compliance or related executive-level roles within Luxembourg financial services
• Recognised authority on the Luxembourg AML/CTF and financial crime regulatory framework — AML Law, CSSF Circulars, AED guidance, FATF, sanctions and market abuse
• Proven experience as an approved RC (CSSF) within a Mancu AIFM or equivalent regulated entity
• Direct experience managing relationships with CSSF, FILI and AED, including annual regulatory reporting
• Established presence in the Luxembourg compliance community — active contribution to industry knowledge through publications, training programmes or professional associations
• House of Training RC Capacity certificate held; ACOI, ICA or ACAMS held; ALCO membership or equivalent senior accreditation
• Fluent English and French

Nice to Have

• Experience in supervisory review processes (SREP) or cross-border regulatory frameworks
• Exposure to private banking, depositary banking or cross-border fund structures
• Active involvement in industry associations (ALCO, ALFI, ALRIM or equivalent)
• German or Luxembourgish for senior regulator and client engagement