VP, Compliance – Technology and Data

Company: American Express
Location: Phoenix
Posted on: January 9, 2026

Job Description:

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. As part of Team Amex, youll experience this 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. How will you make an impact in this role? This position will be a leader within the Global Compliance & Ethics organization, responsible for administering a comprehensive regulatory compliance program for the Enterprise Technology Services business unit. This business unit includes technology engineering, architecture, and infrastructure for external customers and internal colleagues, in addition to enterprise data governance and platforms and digital product and design across the enterprise. This role will lead an organization of line of business compliance officer teams and report to the Head of Global Servicing and Corporate Functions Compliance. As the leader of this Compliance vertical, the successful candidate will lead Compliance Risk Management oversight for all sub-units and portfolios within Technology and Data, including the Enterprise Digital Portfolios comprised of Enterprise Acquisition Products & Platforms (EAPP), Enterprise Data Governance & Platforms (EDGP), Enterprise Digital Experiences (EDX), Enterprise Design & Research (EDR), Enterprise Digital Experimentation & Analytics (EDEA). Additionally, this role will lead the compliance officers for the Enterprise Communications & MarTech Experiences (ECMX) vertical within Membership Portfolio Services. The successful candidate will: • Manage a team of approximately 25 global Compliance professionals in the second line of defense to execute all aspects of Technology and Data’s US and international Compliance program, including policies, issue management, and oversight of Compliance monitoring and testing. • Ensure Compliance officer standards across team in the overall engagement model with the business are met in accordance of the enterprise Compliance Risk Management Policy. • Represent Compliance as a member of the relevant business unit leadership teams and planning exercises, as well as appropriate project and control teams as required. • Actively participate in Technology and Data committees and governance forums and act as delegate in broader meetings for the Head of Global Servicing and Corporate Functions Compliance as needed. • Provide advice and effective challenge to the management of first line of defense controls and control design through activities of issue management, monitoring, new product approval and Risk and Control Self Assessment. • Provide independent oversight and effective challenge on the development and execution of first line of defense plans in response to new regulations, with a deep focus and direct ownership on those that impact technology and data operations. • Engage effectively across the entire second line of defense including peer organizations of Legal Entity or Country Compliance Officers, Subject Matter Regulatory Experts (such as Fair Lending, UDAAP, Privacy and Financial Crimes), and Compliance Program Teams (such as Compliance Risk Assessment and Independent Compliance Testing). • Execute the Compliance Risk Assessment, providing an independent compliance evaluation of inherent risk, control effectiveness and residual risk ratings across the Technology and Data Business Unit and compliance risk types. • Provide input to the Annual Compliance Plan and monitor adherence to it throughout the year. • For Compliance Officer-owned controls, design, execute, and document controls. • Effectively manage the Compliance Issue Management process and ensure appropriate decisioning of Compliance issues, timely closure of gaps and customer remediation where required. • Ensure appropriate technology and data business-specific compliance policies, procedures, training, and communications programs are in place, and in alignment with Company-wide policies and programs and appropriate for the business activities and inherent compliance risks. • Support regulatory examinations, internal audit reviews, Compliance monitoring and testing, and related efforts. • Develop and retain talent to maintain a strong team and motivate colleagues to achieve career goals, as well as to promote collaboration and information sharing to make decisions more effectively. • Promote the usage of industry and internal best practices and incorporating regulatory feedback to drive continuous improvement. • Provide pro-active advice on emerging regulatory risks and issues. Minimum Qualifications • Proficiency with IT General Control frameworks, Technology Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), agile development methodology, and ADA requirements as it relates to digital accessibility, along with compliance implications of technology modernization, AI, data analytics, and operational resilience initiatives. • Proven understanding of the three lines of defense model and ability to operate effectively as an independent second-line function. • Experience in Risk or Compliance (second line of defense) supporting Technology and Data Business Unit or other like global Business Unit in scope and complexity preferred; Audit, legal experience, or equivalent work experience considered. • Knowledge of and proficiency with US open-end credit laws and regulations, including assessing applicability to American Express’ products & services, and specific proficiency with UDAP/UDAAP. • Ability to research, assess and interpret technical data, determine the regulatory impact to business initiatives and influence. • Balanced, effective and inspiring leadership, focused on building, developing, and motivating a diverse and capable team. • Strong relationship management and collaboration capabilities across the enterprise at all levels. • Exceptional thought leadership skills with the ability to raise credible challenge and innovate. • Ability to balance & prioritize effectively, and manage deliverables in a deadline-driven environment. • Outstanding judgment and flexibility, identifying and reacting to critical issues in a timely manner. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and storytelling abilities to Senior Leaders across the enterprise. • Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently, work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt easily to change. Preferred Qualifications • Certifications in compliance (e.g., CRMC) desirable. Salary Range: $176,750.00 to $282,000.00 annually bonus equity (if applicable) benefits The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors. 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

Keywords: American Express, Phoenix , VP, Compliance – Technology and Data, IT / Software / Systems , Phoenix, Arizona