The Global Risk & Compliance Organization is an independent risk management function, led by the Chief Risk Officer, with the objective of ensuring that American Express operates in a safe, sound, and fully compliant manner with all applicable regulatory expectations. Global Risk & Compliance creates and maintains the overall risk management framework, performs independent risk management assessments, and monitors applicable risks. Colleagues in Global Risk & Compliance are passionate about our commitment to drive the Company’s goals of growth and progress by creating a culture of risk awareness and proactivity around regulatory matters. 
Global Risk & Compliance Summer Internship Program 

The Global Risk & Compliance Summer Internship Program offers opportunities across multiple teams within the organization where you can make an impact while developing your skills and learning from experienced colleagues. By applying to this posting, you will be considered for one of several internship opportunities based on your academic background, skills, interests, and business needs. 

Internship opportunities may be available within the following functional areas: 

Financial Risk Management (“FRM”) is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks across the enterprise. The team develops and maintains robust risk frameworks aligned with regulatory expectations and business strategies. As a second line of defense (2LOD), FRM sets policies and standards, monitors adherence to risk appetite, and partners with the first line of defense (1LOD) to ensure effective governance, oversight, and sustainable business growth. 

Global Compliance and Ethics (“GCE”) provides effective challenge, and independent oversight of the 1LOD protecting the brand and our customers through strategic risk-based principles in accordance with regulations to achieve business objectives and enable enterprise growth. 

Enterprise Risk Management & Risk Oversight (“ERM&RO”) is responsible for leading and continuously enhancing the enterprise risk management framework across risk stripes to ensure its effectiveness, partnering with business units and control functions to collectively perform risk management activities. We provide independent oversight that enables the enterprise to operate in a safe and sound environment as it strives toward its growth goals. 

Operational Risk Management (“ORM”) is responsible for safeguarding American Express’ assets, reputation, customers and stakeholders from losses due to, failed processes, people or information systems, or impacts from the external environment by embedding a robust risk management framework that identifies, assesses, monitors and mitigates operational risk while promoting a culture of accountability ensuring sustainable growth and resilience .  

The Global Financial Crime Compliance (GFCC) team is dedicated to establishing and maintaining a comprehensive, risk-based program to prevent, detect, and respond to financial crime threat. These include money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions violations, bribery, corruption, and fraud. Through strong governance, effective controls, and global alignment, GFCC ensures American Express meets its regulatory obligations while safeguarding our customers, our reputation, and our leadership in the marketplace.  

Technical Risk Management (“TRM”) focuses on safeguarding IT systems from threats like cyberattacks, system failures, and data breaches, ensuring compliance, and aligning IT with business goals. This includes deploying tools to manage risks associated with artificial intelligence. Additionally, TRM addresses financial, reputational, and legal risks arising from poor data governance and management, which could affect data accuracy and usability. TRM also involves proactively identifying and mitigating threats that could disrupt operations, ensuring quick recovery and long-term resilience. 
 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled in a Master's or Juris Doctor degree program (program requirements may vary by functional area). 
• Expected graduation between December 2027 and June 2028. 
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and build effective working relationships. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Interest in risk management, compliance, financial services, data analytics, or related disciplines. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous internship or professional experience in risk management, compliance, audit, finance, analytics, consulting, law, technology, or related functions. 
• Knowledge of financial services, banking regulations, governance, or risk management principles. 
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data to identify trends and support decision-making. 
• Demonstrated leadership through academic, professional, or extracurricular activities. 
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple deliverables. 
• Positive, growth-oriented mindset with intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn. 
• Ability to communicate complex or technical information to a variety of audiences. 

 

Additional Preferred Experience by Functional Area 

While not required, the following experience may be beneficial depending on the team assignment: 

Enterprise Risk Management & Risk Oversight 

• Knowledge of enterprise risk management frameworks and regulatory requirements. 
• Familiarity with financial risk concepts, governance, or compliance. 
• Experience working with data analysis and reporting. 

 

Financial Risk Management 

• Coursework or experience in Data Science, Statistics, Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or another quantitative discipline. 
• Programming experience with Python, SQL, R, or similar analytical tools. 
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau. 
• Knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or financial risk concepts. 
• Familiarity with interest rate, liquidity, foreign exchange, or model risk is a plus. 

 

Global Compliance & Ethics 

• Interest or experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, AML, Anti-Corruption, BSA, or related regulatory programs. 
• Understanding banking regulations or consumer financial services is beneficial. 

 

Operational Risk Management 

• Interest in operational risk, governance, internal controls, audit, or issue management. 
• Familiarity with data visualization or analytics tools such as Tableau or SQL is a plus. 
• Previous corporate or internship experience is beneficial but not required. 

 

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions. 

What You'll Do 

Depending on your assigned team, you may: 

• Support strategic initiatives and projects that strengthen the Company's risk and compliance programs. 
• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and business insights. 
• Assist with risk assessments, monitoring, governance, and reporting activities. 
• Partner with cross-functional teams to solve business challenges and improve processes. 
• Prepare presentations and communicate findings to business partners and leaders. 
• Contribute to initiatives that promote effective risk management, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. 
• Gain exposure to senior leaders while developing technical, analytical, and professional skills.