Senior Associate/VP, Compliance (AML/KYC)
About Aquarian
Aquarian Holdings ("Aquarian") is a diversified global holding company with a strategic portfolio of insurance and asset management solutions.
Aquarian Insurance Holdings acquires and operates insurance companies with a focus on life and annuity underwriting, deploying strategies to grow balance sheet profitability by writing new insurance/reinsurance, improving investment income, and optimizing operations. After launching in 2017, Aquarian finalized its first investment in 2018 in Investors Heritage, a regional life insurer domiciled in Kentucky that focuses on pre-need policies. Working closely with management, Aquarian helped the company grow with expanded product offerings and distribution channels, building on its 60-year track record of exceptional client service.
Aquarian continued to deepen its expertise and grow its existing offerings in insurance and reinsurance through its acquisitions of Hudson Life and Annuity Company in 2021 and Somerset Re in 2022.
Aquarian Investments complements the insurance operations , combining best practices from the world’s leading financial services firms with its own distinct strategy, approach, and organizational culture. Aquarian has continued to expand into alternative assets and private credit through the launches of Aquarian Liquid Credit, Aquarian Strategic Opportunities, Aquarian Private Credit, and Aquarian Real Estate Partners.
Aquarian has since grown its business to approximately $25.8 billion in AUM, with 40 investment professionals, multiple funds, and insurance and reinsurance companies, all committed to providing meaningful investment opportunities to millions of people.
In November 2025, Aquarian announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which an affiliate will acquire Brighthouse Financial in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4.1 billion. Brighthouse is one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S., with approximately $208 billion of AUM. Following the anticipated close of the transaction in 2026, Brighthouse Financial will operate as a standalone entity within the Aquarian portfolio.
Role Summary
The Compliance Associate/VP is responsible for administering and further developing the firm’s investor and transactional Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) diligence and monitoring program. The successful candidate is a subject matter expert on AML/KYC policies, procedures, and practices with a desire to provide support to the firm’s broader compliance framework across the organization. This includes conducting risk assessments, performing testing, conducting due diligence on third parties, working on core compliance matters, and contributing to firm initiatives and regulatory responses.
This is a dynamic, hands-on position that requires strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
This position is onsite 5 days a week at our New York City office.
Key Responsibilities:
Administer and further develop Aquarian’s AML/KYC policies and procedures.
Review and assess AML/KYC documentation throughout the investment lifecycle.
Assess database screening results and escalate findings as necessary.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date AML/KYC books and records.
Respond to third-party AML/KYC and sanctions-related inquiries.
Support technology and compliance initiatives to improve AML/KYC processes.
Monitor regulatory updates impacting AML/KYC requirements.
Deliver internal training on AML/KYC policies and procedures.
Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments.
Perform testing and monitoring in accordance with the annual compliance plan.
Conduct initial and ongoing due diligence on third parties.
Assist with various Code of Ethics-related compliance tasks.
Perform other duties assigned by Compliance team leadership.
Qualifications:
Strong project management, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Comfortable interacting with all levels of professionals in a team-oriented environment.
Proactive, adaptable, and capable of prioritizing in a fast-paced setting.
Bachelor’s degree required.
CAMS certification is preferred but not required.
5+ years of AML/KYC experience, preferably in the alternative investment sector.
Aquarian is an equal opportunity employer. Aquarian is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience and unique perspectives. Aquarian does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical handicap or disability, age, citizenship status, alienage, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other criteria prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. Aquarian makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.