Lead Analyst, Transaction Monitoring

Circle (NYSE: CRCL) is one of the world's leading internet financial platform companies, building the foundation of a more open, global economy through digital assets, payment applications, and programmable blockchain infrastructure. Circle's platform includes the world's largest regulated stablecoin network anchored by USDC, Circle Payments Network for global money movement, and Arc, an enterprise-grade blockchain designed to become the Economic OS for the internet. Enterprises, financial institutions, and developers use Circle to power trusted, internet-scale financial innovation. Learn more at circle.com .
What you'll be part of:
Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values : High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.
What you'll be responsible for:
As part of Investigations Operations (IO), the Transaction Monitoring Lead will lead the transaction monitoring process of suspicious/illegal behaviors and patterns. In this role, you will train, mentor and provide feedback for transaction monitoring analysts, while also proactively contributing to the development of Circle's investigation and transaction monitoring programs through partnership with IO leadership, FCM (Financial Crimes Monitoring) and FIU (Financial Investigations Unit). The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, inquisitive individual with a background in AML compliance, who enjoys analytical challenges and is passionate about blockchain technology.
What you'll work on:

• Monitor active transaction monitoring alert and, at times, investigations case queues to ensure that SLA is not breached.
• Update and improve TM procedures, identify control gaps, and partner with cross-functional teams to strengthen processes and tooling.
• Conduct Level 3 alert reviews, provide coaching, and support analyst development through targeted feedback.
• Lead ad-hoc deep dives and/or special projects into emerging risks, patterns, or high-priority issues, delivering clear insights and recommendations.
• Explore and evaluate AI/ML tools, analyze model outputs, and partner with Data/Engineering to integrate AI into TM workflows.
• Support IO management and cross-functional teams as needed (e.g., share monthly Quality data, provide information to Legal or other internal teams when related to onchain analysis and/or transactional data, etc.).
• As needed, lead cross functional training or alert/case walkthroughs for internal and external partners (other Co Ops functions, banking partners, regulators, etc.).
• Execute a portion of Transaction Monitoring (TM) production reviews to support throughput and maintain high quality.

What you'll bring to Circle:

• B.A./B.S. degree; quantitative or technical degree a plus.
• 5+ years of experience working for a financial institution on AML investigation and transaction monitoring workflows, ideally with experience conducting blockchain investigations.
• A passion for harnessing the power of digital currency and blockchain technology and services built on top of it.
• Deep understanding of blockchain ecosystems, VASPs, and evolving global AML/CFT regulations.
• Extensive experience working with blockchain forensic tools (e.g., TRM Labs, Chainalysis, Elliptic).
• Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills with a close attention to detail and confidence to make a reasoned and supported decision.
• Experience analyzing large transactional data sets; SQL experience is a plus.
• First-class investigative capabilities and problem-solving skills.
• Works well under pressure and tight deadlines with an ability to prioritize workloads and ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Experience and comfort working in an ever changing industry and the flexibility to quickly react to changing demands.
• Proven experience working collaboratively and effectively with the ability to work with multiple stakeholders and internal teams.
• CAMS, CFCS or CFE certification is a plus.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Slack and Apple MacOS preferred.
• Interest and/or experience applying artificial intelligence, automation, or machine learning tools to optimize AML workflows, such as alert triage, data enrichment, and investigative analysis.

Circle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.
Starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other protected status required by the laws in the locations where we hire. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.
Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability, please reach out to [email protected] for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.
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