AVP, Fraud Detection and Special Investigations

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.
 

We are currently looking for an AVP, Fraud Detection and Special Investigations for our Verify Team to protect Aviva and consumers from Fraud and Financial Crime.
 

In this role you will lead the strategic and operational execution of fraud prevention, detection, and investigation for centralized investigation teams within Aviva Canada’s Claims business, ensuring robust controls and proactive risk mitigation.
 

This role is accountable for delivering the fraud strategy within Claims, with direct oversight of the National Special Investigation Units (SIU), Triage operations, and automated fraud detection capabilities.
 

You will support the development of public relations campaigns to raise fraud awareness, represent Aviva Canada in the media, and develop internal fraud training programs. In addition, the AVP will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on emerging threats, regulatory risks, and mitigation strategies, providing expert advisory and assurance to senior leadership.
 

What You’Ll Do:

Strategic Leadership

• Execute a multi-dimensional fraud strategy aligned with Aviva’s enterprise risk framework and Claims priorities.
• Lead the National SIU and Triage teams in delivering high-impact investigations and outcomes, including litigation and regulatory engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement in fraud detection methodologies, leveraging automation and data analytics.

Governance & Oversight

• Ensure fraud controls are effectively designed and operational, in compliance with external and internal standards.
• Provide SME input to ACAN Executive Management, the VP Verify, and the VP Regulatory Compliance and Financial Crime Risk.
• Assess the Financial Services landscape/horizon to identify and understand what is emerging in terms fraud regulations in conjunction with Aviva’s business lines.
• Report on fraud risk exposure and control effectiveness to the ACAN Executive Committee, Financial Crime & Cyber Steering Committee, and Performance Management Meetings.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with Claims and Underwriting senior leaders to develop fraud prevention and detection strategies, embed fraud awareness and streamline fraud case handling.
• Represent Aviva as a spokesperson on fraud-related matters in the media and public forums.
• Develop local relationships with Regulators & law enforcement, as required
• Supports VP Fraud Finance Crime and Advocacy to influence external partners, regulators, and industry bodies to advance fraud prevention policy and legislative reform.

Operational Excellence

• Lead the Fraud SIU and Triage teams on execution & delivery of the function’s strategy, purpose, goals and objectives
• Oversee the implementation and evolution of fraud standards and control frameworks.
• Develops and oversees the execution of the data science plan to increase fraud detection using data and AI.
• Lead internal committees such as the Strategic Intelligence Forum and Enterprise Fraud Committee to coordinate fraud response.
• Support technical decision-making on complex investigations and ensure appropriate SME engagement.
•  Assess the fraud detection and prevention technology landscape/horizon to identify and understand what is emerging in terms fraud regulations in conjunction with Aviva’s business lines.

What You’Ll Bring:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the financial services industry preferably in P&C insurance
• Graduate degree or equivalent
• CIP designation and Fraud and Financial Crime certifications, including ACAMS, ACFE, Criminology are an asset
• Experience in leading a fraud portfolio in financial services
• Proven operational leadership to manage multi-disciplinary teams across fraud detection, triage, and investigations, ensuring delivery within budget and quality standards.
• Ability to design and implement enterprise-wide Fraud strategies that align with regulatory expectations and business objectives.
• Strong financial acumen to evaluate fraud mitigation opportunities and quantify their impact on business performance.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to engage senior leadership, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Skilled in navigating sensitive matters with diplomacy and discretion, serving as a trusted advisor on fraud and FC investigations.
• Ability to present complex fraud risks and mitigation strategies to executive audiences and governance committees.
• Adept at building and managing diverse internal and external relationships, including law enforcement, regulators, and industry bodies.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive coordinated action through internal committees and forums.
• Demonstrated ability to apply objective judgment in high-stakes investigations and regulatory matters.
• Comfortable making confident, evidence-based decisions in ambiguous or legally sensitive situations.
• Capable of assessing and escalating risks appropriately to senior management and executive leadership.
• Deep understanding of claims and underwriting processes and their intersection with fraud risk.
• Ability to evaluate emerging fraud trends and regulatory developments to inform proactive strategy.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate future threats and regulatory shifts.
• Assertive and resilient in the face of challenge, ambiguity, and evolving fraud landscapes.
• Risk and Compliance background is an asset

What You’Ll Get:

• Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as internal equity. 
• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities. 
• Outstanding Career Development opportunities. 
• We’ll support your professional development education. 
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year 
• Employee driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity and inclusion 
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health 

 
Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is an existing position which has been posted both internally & externally. 
  

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada. 

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