Vice President – Financial Crimes Risk Officer – Intermediaries and Distribution

Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm that conducts its business through three principal business segments - Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management. Morgan Stanley provides comprehensive financial advice and services to its clients including brokerage, investment advisory, financial and wealth planning, credit and lending, deposits and cash management, annuities, insurance, retirement, and trust services.

As a market leader, the talent and passion of our people is critical to our success. Together, we share a common set of values rooted in doing the right thing, putting clients first, leading with exceptional ideas and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Morgan Stanley can provide a superior foundation for building a professional career – a place for people to learn, achieve, and grow.

Department Profile:

The Investment Management (IM) Financial Crimes Risk Team is embedded within the Firm’s business line. It is responsible for identifying, assessing, and escalating potential money laundering and reputational risk issues associated with higher risk client types. The IM Financial Crimes Risk Team is considered the first line of defense and supports the onboarding, enhanced due diligence, and negative news processes for Morgan Stanley.

Primary Responsibilities:

The FCRO – Intermediaries/Distribution VP is responsible for executing the firm’s first line Financial Crimes program for IM. The role will be responsible for management / oversight of IM’s intermediaries’ population and ensuring their adherence with sound BSA/AML risk management practices. This position will work closely with Global Financial Crimes (GFC) stakeholders to ensure the business is compliant with all relevant Financial Crimes standards, policies, procedures and applicable laws and regulations. 

The FCRO – Intermediaries/Distribution VP will:

• Partner with the IM business and GFC to lead the management and oversight of financial intermediaries and distribution partners, ensuring alignment with Morgan Stanley's strategic objectives and BSA/AML regulatory standards.

• Build and maintain strong relationships IM distribution leads who interact with intermediaries, including broker-dealers, financial advisors, and distribution platforms.

• Support IM business in conducting comprehensive due diligence on intermediaries to assess BSA/AML compliance risks.

• Ensure intermediaries adhere to regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and Morgan Stanley's standards of conduct.

• Develop and implement frameworks and controls to monitor intermediary performance and BSA/AML compliance adherence.

• Provide regular reporting to senior leadership, highlighting risks, opportunities, and performance trends.

• Work closely with internal teams, including sales, compliance, legal, and risk management, to address intermediary-related issues and opportunities.

• Support IM distribution leads in facilitating clear communication and effective problem-solving.

• Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and governance frameworks for managing intermediary relationships.

• Support IM distribution in the negotiation of distribution agreements, service-level agreements, and other contracts with financial intermediaries.

• Ensure contract terms are enforced and updated to reflect evolving business and regulatory requirements.

• Provide training, tools, and resources to intermediaries to enhance their understanding of Morgan Stanley’s products, services, and compliance expectations.

• Act as a point of escalation to resolve issues and support intermediaries in meeting compliance goals.

• Stay informed of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes impacting financial intermediaries and distributors.

• Provide strategic recommendations to enhance intermediary relationships and strengthen distribution networks.

• Drive initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of intermediary management processes.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape and execute the strategic vision for financial intermediary oversight.

• Leverage technology solutions and data analytics to enhance monitoring, reporting, and relationship management capabilities.

• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of intermediary performance metrics and compliance data to internal and external stakeholders.