Junior Consultant / Research Associate (m/f/d) – EU Anti-Money Laundering Package (AMLR, 6AMLD, AMLAR & TFR), Regulatory Compliance & RegTech

About the Opportunity

Turn your academic expertise into real-world impact and help shape the future of Anti-Money Laundering regulation and regulatory technology in Europe.

The European Union is fundamentally transforming its regulatory framework for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). The new EU AML package establishes a more harmonised regulatory framework, introduces directly applicable requirements for obliged entities and strengthens European AML/CFT supervision through the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).

This regulatory transformation creates significant challenges and opportunities for financial institutions, supervisory authorities, consulting firms and technology providers. Implementing the new European AML/CFT framework requires a combination of regulatory expertise, analytical capabilities, risk management, data science, artificial intelligence and innovative technological solutions.

At Leitner & Associates, we offer ambitious Master’s and doctoral graduates (PhD) the opportunity to start their professional careers as Graduate Consultants or Research Associates specialising in European AML/CFT regulation, regulatory compliance, risk management and regulatory technology.

This position is designed for academically qualified individuals who want to apply their knowledge to challenging regulatory and technological projects, conduct advanced research and contribute to the development of practical solutions for the financial services industry.

Unlike a traditional trainee programme, this graduate position offers the opportunity to assume responsibility for defined research, analytical and project activities from an early stage while receiving professional guidance from experienced specialists.

You will work at the intersection of European financial regulation, applied research, artificial intelligence, data analytics and regulatory innovation.

Your Focus

Your work will primarily focus on the new European AML/CFT regulatory framework, including:

Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) – Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, introducing harmonised and directly applicable AML/CFT requirements.
Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD) – Directive (EU) 2024/1640, addressing national AML/CFT mechanisms, supervision, Financial Intelligence Units and related institutional requirements.
AMLA Regulation (AMLAR) – Regulation (EU) 2024/1620, establishing the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority and its supervisory responsibilities.
Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR) – Regulation (EU) 2023/1113, governing information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets.
AMLA Regulatory Instruments – Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS), Implementing Technical Standards (ITS), Guidelines (GL) and Recommendations, including consultation drafts, final draft standards and their subsequent regulatory development.

Your role will involve analysing these regulatory requirements, assessing their implications for regulated institutions and contributing to the development of effective implementation strategies and technology-supported compliance solutions.

Depending on your academic specialisation and professional interests, you may focus on regulatory analysis, quantitative risk management, financial crime prevention, artificial intelligence, data analytics, process automation or regulatory technology.

Your Responsibilities

As a Graduate Consultant or Research Associate, you will contribute to research, consulting and technology-related projects while progressively assuming responsibility for defined workstreams and deliverables.

1. Advanced Regulatory Research & Analysis

Conduct independent research into European AML/CFT legislation, regulatory instruments and supervisory developments.
Analyse and interpret the AMLR, 6AMLD, AMLAR, TFR and related AMLA RTS, ITS and Guidelines.
Evaluate the legal, organisational, operational and technological implications of new regulatory requirements.
Compare existing national AML/CFT frameworks with the new European regulatory framework.
Identify regulatory gaps, implementation challenges and potential areas for harmonisation.
Monitor and analyse regulatory consultations, draft technical standards and publications issued by AMLA, the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Commission and national supervisory authorities.
Prepare structured regulatory analyses, research reports, technical documentation and implementation recommendations.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Implementation

Translate complex regulatory requirements into structured and actionable compliance obligations.
Develop regulatory requirement catalogues, compliance matrices, control frameworks and implementation concepts.
Conduct gap analyses and support the evaluation of existing AML/CFT compliance arrangements.
Analyse customer due diligence, beneficial ownership, politically exposed persons, enhanced due diligence and transaction monitoring requirements.
Contribute to the development and assessment of AML/CFT policies, procedures and internal control systems.
Evaluate the implications of AMLA technical standards and guidelines for regulated institutions.
Support financial institutions and other obliged entities in preparing for the implementation of the new EU AML/CFT framework.

3. Data Science, Artificial Intelligence & Regulatory Technology

Investigate and develop innovative applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics in AML/CFT compliance.
Analyse opportunities for automating regulatory requirement identification, classification and mapping.
Contribute to the design and evaluation of data-driven customer risk assessment and transaction monitoring methodologies.
Explore the use of natural language processing and large language models for analysing complex regulatory documents.
Develop or evaluate analytical models, algorithms and prototype solutions for regulatory compliance applications.
Support the integration of structured regulatory information into digital compliance and risk management solutions.
Examine the reliability, explainability, governance and practical limitations of AI-supported compliance processes.
Contribute to research and development initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency, consistency and effectiveness of financial crime prevention.

4. Quantitative Risk Management & Financial Crime Prevention

Analyse and evaluate methodologies for assessing money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
Develop or enhance risk assessment models for customers, business relationships, products, services and transactions.
Examine qualitative and quantitative risk indicators, scoring methodologies and risk classification approaches.
Support the development of risk-based compliance strategies and internal control frameworks.
Analyse data structures and methodologies used in AML/CFT monitoring and risk assessment processes.
Assess the relationship between regulatory requirements, data quality, risk models and operational effectiveness.
Develop research-based recommendations for improving AML/CFT risk management methodologies.

5. Consulting, Research & Project Responsibility

Contribute to regulatory consulting, implementation and research projects involving financial institutions and other regulated organisations.
Independently manage defined research and analytical assignments.
Prepare professional reports, regulatory assessments, presentations and project deliverables.
Participate in technical discussions, project meetings and workshops.
Communicate complex regulatory, analytical and technological findings clearly and precisely.
Collaborate with specialists from financial regulation, risk management, compliance, data science and technology.
Contribute to the continuous development of internal methodologies, regulatory knowledge bases and technology-driven solutions.
Progressively assume responsibility for individual project activities and workstreams.

Your specific responsibilities will be tailored to your academic qualifications, methodological expertise, technical capabilities and professional interests.

Your Profile

You have successfully completed, or are approaching completion of, a Master’s degree or doctorate (PhD or equivalent), preferably in one of the following disciplines:

Computer Science, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Engineering & Technology
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Business & Management

We particularly welcome graduates interested in applying advanced academic methods and scientific knowledge to regulatory compliance, financial crime prevention, quantitative risk management, artificial intelligence, automation and the digital transformation of AML/CFT processes.

Ideally, you bring:

Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving capabilities.
The ability to independently research, structure and evaluate complex information.
Experience with scientific research methods, quantitative analysis, empirical research or technical modelling.
An interest in European financial regulation, AML/CFT compliance, financial crime prevention or regulatory technology.
A systematic, precise and results-oriented approach to work.
The ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical methodologies and solutions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English or German.
An interest in interdisciplinary collaboration involving regulatory, business, scientific and technological perspectives.
A willingness to assume responsibility for complex assignments and continuously develop your professional expertise.

Depending on your academic specialisation, the following qualifications are advantageous:

Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, SQL or comparable technologies.
Knowledge of machine learning, natural language processing, large language models or statistical modelling.
Experience with database systems, data engineering, data analytics or business intelligence.
Understanding of risk management models, compliance processes or financial services.
Experience with applied research, software development, process automation or mathematical optimisation.
Experience in preparing scientific publications, research reports or complex analytical documentation.

Previous professional experience in regulatory consulting, financial services, AML/CFT compliance or RegTech is an advantage but not required.

We value academic excellence, analytical capabilities, curiosity and the ability to apply research-based thinking to practical challenges.

Your Professional Development

This graduate position is designed to provide a direct entry into specialised consulting, research and technology-driven compliance work.

Your professional development will focus on three interconnected areas:

1. Regulatory Expertise

Develop in-depth knowledge of the European AML/CFT regulatory framework and its implementation within financial institutions.

Build expertise in regulatory analysis, compliance management, risk assessment methodologies and the interpretation of AMLA regulatory instruments.

2. Applied Research & Technology

Apply advanced analytical, scientific and technological methodologies to practical regulatory challenges.

Contribute to the development of new methodologies, data-driven approaches and innovative technologies supporting AML/CFT compliance and financial crime prevention.

3. Consulting & Professional Responsibility

Develop the skills required to manage regulatory research assignments, deliver professional analyses and contribute to complex consulting and implementation projects.

Progressively assume responsibility for defined project workstreams and develop your own areas of professional specialisation.

Depending on your qualifications and interests, potential specialisations include:

European AML/CFT Regulation & Regulatory Advisory
AML/CFT Risk Management & Quantitative Modelling
Regulatory Compliance & Internal Control Systems
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Data Science & Financial Crime Analytics
Regulatory Technology & Compliance Automation
Applied Research & Regulatory Innovation

What We Offer

Direct professional entry: Start your career in a specialised graduate position with meaningful responsibilities and opportunities for individual development.
Challenging regulatory projects: Work on the implementation of one of the most significant transformations of the European AML/CFT regulatory framework.
Application of academic expertise: Apply advanced research methods, analytical capabilities and technical knowledge to practical regulatory and business challenges.
Research and innovation: Contribute to the development of innovative methodologies and technology-driven approaches to regulatory compliance and financial crime prevention.
Professional mentoring: Collaborate with experienced specialists in financial regulation, AML/CFT compliance, risk management and regulatory implementation.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work at the intersection of European regulation, financial services, applied research, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
Individual specialisation: Develop professional expertise in areas aligned with your academic qualifications and long-term career interests.
Project responsibility: Assume responsibility for research assignments, analyses and project deliverables as your experience develops.
Exposure to emerging technologies: Explore and evaluate the application of artificial intelligence, data analytics, automation and innovative compliance technologies.
Long-term career perspectives: Build a professional foundation for specialised roles in regulatory consulting, AML/CFT compliance, risk management, financial services, RegTech and applied research.

Graduate Position Details

Company: Leitner & Associates (Andreas Leitner GmbH)

Position: Graduate Consultant / Research Associate (m/f/d) – EU Anti-Money Laundering, Regulatory Compliance & RegTech

Academic Qualification: Master’s Degree / Doctorate (PhD or equivalent)

Employment Type: Graduate Position / Direct Entry

Start Date: By agreement

Location: By agreement

Field: Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CFT), European Financial Regulation, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Research & Regulatory Technology

The specific position and responsibilities will be defined according to your academic qualifications, professional interests, technical expertise and the requirements of our projects.

How to Apply

Are you ready to turn your Master’s or doctoral degree into a professional career at the intersection of European financial regulation, artificial intelligence and regulatory technology?

We welcome applications from ambitious graduates who are motivated to apply their academic expertise to practical regulatory challenges, contribute to innovative research and technology projects and develop a professional career in financial crime prevention.

Please submit the following information through our website or by email:

Your CV and academic qualifications.
Your university, degree programme and academic specialisation.
Your Master’s thesis or doctoral research topic, including a brief description of the methodology and key findings.
Your expected or completed graduation date.
Your preferred starting date.
Your main areas of professional interest (e.g. regulatory compliance, AML/CFT, quantitative risk management, data science, artificial intelligence or regulatory technology).
Relevant technical skills, research projects, publications or previous professional experience.
Your preferred working language (English or German).

We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose academic research relates to regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence, financial crime prevention, data-driven risk management or the digitalisation of financial services.

Join Leitner & Associates and apply your academic expertise to shaping the future of European financial regulation, regulatory technology and financial crime prevention.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Email: application@leitnerassociates.com

Anti-Money Laundering Junior Consultant