depens on what kind of investigations.many peoples idea of investigations is just tm alerts, which while not wrong, is not entirely correct.

Tm is system generated, typically will be looking at one months worth of clients transactions, depending how your alerts are generated. Case write up generally less complex.

Investigations usually much more complex, could involve multiple clients and accounts over a specific time period, and case resolution is typically much lengthier and spectrum of issues could be wider given the volume of info reviewed. All these has to b condensed into a readable and accurate report detailing your findings and highlight actions or recommendations.

Agree that alert clearing positions will b stuck at most to a vp as sad to say banks treat alerts as part of ops and something which doesnt need much skill or more for junior people. Real investigator role, may have more room for promotion but depends on the bank you are at. Many places do not differentiate alert clearing with investigations and do not have positions for more complex investigations.

End of the day, still about combing throught transactions to determine whether there are potential suspicions. But an experienced person will b able to identify risks which many so called investigators cant and conduct the investigations in an efficient manner. many people tend to dismiss certain issues easily for fear of doing more work, stirring **** etc.