Senior AML/CFT Regulator at Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Type: Fixed Term
Hours: Full time
Location: Wellington, Auckland
Business Group: Regulatory Services
Branch: Regulation and Identity Services
Salary: $100,359 - $124,891

Term: 1 January 2026 – 30 June 2027

Senior AML/CFT Regulators and AML/CFT Regulators – Wellington and Auckland (x3 opportunities – fixed term):

At the Department of Internal Affairs I Te Tari Taiwhenua, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home.  We are dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, health and wellbeing. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age and background and encourage people to be their authentic selves.

About Us | Ko mātou 

A key part of New Zealand's approach to tackling organised crime is making it harder for criminals or terrorist groups to move money through legitimate businesses. That's the purpose of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulatory scheme, which requires businesses to know their customers, understand and manage risk, and report suspicious activity to Police.

The Department of Internal Affairs currently shares regulatory oversight with the Reserve Bank and the Financial Markets Authority. From 1 July 2026, DIA will take on full responsibility as the sole AML/CFT regulator.

We're investing in our capability across the board to set ourselves up as a highly effective regulator - it's an exciting time to be part of work that's dynamic, impactful, and making a real difference.

The Regulatory and Identity Services branch is responsible for regulatory systems and functions related to charities, gambling, anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), digital safety, passports, civil registries, citizenship and identity management. The branch also delivers identity products and services that enable customers to register their life events, access services from other public and private sector agencies and businesses, and travel seamlessly overseas. The branch has programmes of work and support functions that include data analysis and insights, information sharing, forecasting, systems, service design, risk and assurance, intelligence and investigations, engagement and education, operational policy, product innovation, international product strategy and commercial.

 We are a responsive risk-based regulator focused on reducing harm, and ensuring that iwi, hapū and communities across Aotearoa are safe, resilient, and thriving.

About the role I Mō te tūnga:

You will support the operational supervision of a diverse range of businesses captured under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act and will contribute to the supervision, education, and compliance monitoring of regulated sectors in a robust, well-informed and targeted way.

You'll be part of a team that confidently transitions from regulator to educator. You'll be outcome focused and enjoy being part of a team that is continuously improving our regulatory practice and performance. 

What you bring I  Nōu te rourou 

• A minimum of two years' experience (preferable) working in a risk-based regulatory or compliance environment such as: business compliance monitoring, audit, investigation, fraud, accounting, risk management, business analysis or law. 
• Demonstration of subject-matter expertise in AML/CFT and related technical areas is strongly preferred.
• A strong understanding of modern regulatory concepts and functions.
• The ability to work with legislation and other technical information and apply it in an operational context, including specialist proficiency aligned with AML/CFT objectives. 
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong effective relationships through effective and professional communication with key stakeholders, both internally and externally across the regulated sector.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring capabilities to support team development.
• Ability to demonstrate and uphold visible leadership skills to achieve regulatory outcomes across the team.

 How to apply I Me pēhea te tuku tono 

If you're looking for a new challenge that encourages you to think innovatively to help make a difference to Aotearoa and its people, then Internal Affairs could be the place for you.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access.

Please note that you must have the ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate Security Clearance. Use this tool to check if you might be eligible for a security clearance: Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirement.

Applications close: 5pm, Friday, 14 November 2025
Job description: To review the full job descri​ption, please click here. If you are unable to follow the link, please review the full job description on our careers website.