Head of Financial Crime - London

Head of Financial Crime

London

Hybrid

We’re working with a leading global law firm looking for a Head of Financial Crime to join its Risk & Compliance function in a newly created senior leadership position.

This is a fabulous opportunity for an experienced AML, sanctions and financial crime compliance professional to take ownership of the firm's global financial crime strategy, working across an international network of offices and partnering closely with senior leadership, Partners and the firm's Global MLRO.

The role offers significant scope to shape and strengthen the firm's financial crime framework, while leading a sizeable compliance function and driving consistency across multiple jurisdictions.

The Role?

Reporting directly to the Risk & Compliance Partner, Head of Financial Crime will act as the firm's Deputy MLRO and senior subject matter expert across AML, sanctions and wider financial crime compliance.

You will provide strategic leadership across the firm's global financial crime framework, with responsibility for developing robust policies, controls and governance while ensuring they remain commercially practical for an international law firm.

• Develop and deliver the firm's global financial crime and AML strategy, aligned with the firm's risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the senior escalation point for AML, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, fraud and wider financial crime risks.
• Act as Deputy MLRO, supporting the Global MLRO and regional MLROs with AML governance and suspicious activity reporting.
• Provide leadership and direction across KYC, client due diligence, onboarding, sanctions screening and source of funds/source of wealth enquiries.
• Make senior-level decisions on complex and high-risk client and matter escalations.
• Lead, manage and develop a multi-jurisdictional financial crime and compliance team.
• Develop, implement and regularly review financial crime policies, procedures, controls and governance frameworks.
• Monitor changes to UK and international AML, sanctions and financial crime legislation and regulation, advising senior stakeholders on their impact.
• Support regulatory audits, inspections, information requests and engagement with relevant authorities.
• Develop MI and KPIs covering financial crime risk, onboarding, client due diligence and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve KYC, screening and compliance technology, systems and processes.
• Design and deliver firmwide AML and financial crime training for Partners, fee earners and business services teams.
• Work closely with the Risk & Compliance Partner, General Counsel, MLROs and Partners across the firm's international network.

About You?

We’re looking for a senior financial crime, AML or sanctions professional with significant experience operating within a regulated environment.

• 10+ years' experience in financial crime, AML and sanctions within a leading law firm, financial institution or professional services environment.
• Ideally a Qualified E&W Solicitor
• Strong knowledge of UK AML legislation and regulation, including the Money Laundering Regulations, POCA and Bribery Act.
• Experience working with international financial crime regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience leading and developing financial crime, AML or compliance teams, ideally across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong experience developing and implementing AML policies, controls and governance frameworks.
• Excellent understanding of KYC, CDD, client onboarding, sanctions and financial crime risk.
• The confidence and credibility to advise and influence Partners, senior management and other senior stakeholders.
• Experience with compliance technology, onboarding platforms and screening systems would be advantageous.

What's in it for you?

This is an excellent opportunity to step into a highly strategic Head of Financial Crime role within a genuinely international law firm.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape the firm's financial crime strategy, lead a significant team, influence senior stakeholders and play a key role in the continued development of its global AML, sanctions and financial crime compliance framework.

• Hybrid working 3 days in office
• Cycle to work
• Heathcare, Dental Insurance, Critical Illness cover
• Enhanced parental leave
• Season Ticket Loan
• Gym membership

Specialism:

Financial Crime | AML | Sanctions | Risk & Compliance | Legal Compliance