Lead Investigator

Lead Investigator (AML/CFT) – Fixed Term

Regulatory Intelligence & Investigations | Department of Internal Affairs
Wellington

Reporting to: Manager Investigations AML/CFT and Charities 

Location: Wellington 

Salary range: Regulatory Band I

Help protect New Zealand's financial system from financial crime.

Do you have extensive experience leading complex investigations and a passion for achieving regulatory outcomes that make a real difference?

The role | Te tūnga  

The Department of Internal Affairs is looking for an experienced Lead Investigator to join our AML/CFT investigations team. In this role, you'll lead some of New Zealand's most significant AML/CFT investigations, targeting serious non-compliance and helping to safeguard the integrity of our financial system.

You'll provide technical leadership across the investigations function, influence investigative strategy, and help shape a risk-based and intelligence-led approach to regulatory enforcement. You'll work alongside investigators, legal advisors, and partner agencies to deliver robust, defensible, and impactful regulatory outcomes.

What you'll be doing

• Leading complex and high-profile AML/CFT investigations.
• Providing expert advice on investigative strategy, evidence, and enforcement approaches.
• Identifying and responding to emerging AML/CFT risks, typologies, and non-compliance trends.
• Coaching and mentoring investigators to strengthen capability and consistency across the team.
• Supporting the Practice Lead to develop continuously improve investigative frameworks, methodologies, and operational practices.
• Building strong working relationships with legal partners, New Zealand Police, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and other regulatory agencies.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou 

• More than five years’ experience leading complex regulatory, financial crime, compliance, or enforcement investigations.
• A deep understanding of investigative practice, risk management, and regulatory enforcement.
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation in complex investigative environments and taking investigations through prosecution.
• Excellent judgement, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capability.
• The ability to influence others, build capability, and lead through expertise rather than formal authority.
• Experience in AML/CFT is a bonus.

The appointing range for this role is $115,425 - $143,640

To review the full job description, please click here 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you. 

Applications for this role close 5pm July 30th. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

If you have any questions, please email Rebecca.blowes@dia.govt.nz