Manager - Financial Crime (12 month FTC) in Leeds

Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund

At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. Providing £27.8bn of capital and an expanded mandate, we are ready to help the market invest with confidence and continue to drive forward the Government’s growth ambitions.

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of the Risk & Compliance function at the National Wealth Fund (NWF) is to embed an effective risk management framework that enables the risks to the Fund’s objectives to be managed in an agile and effective way. The team fosters a risk‑aware culture across the Fund and provides the necessary assurance that key risks are managed within the appetite set by the Board. This role is for a Financial Crime Manager reporting to a Senior Financial Crime Manager and will be responsible for the enhancement and oversight of the Fund’s financial crime compliance framework. The manager will deliver a proactive second‑line financial crime strategy and framework, underpinned by processes and controls that ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, financial, and operational requirements.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the Senior Compliance Manager in delivering the Compliance strategy, compliance monitoring plan, and associated policies to drive, promote, and maintain a strong Compliance and Financial Crime culture within the business.
• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining the NWF’s Financial Crime strategy and framework, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, and working with key stakeholders across the Fund to embed the framework to ensure appropriate levels of compliance.
• Conduct comprehensive financial crime risk assessments and provide oversight and quality control of client risk assessments to identify and mitigate financial crime risks.
• Undertake and ensure that the customer due diligence requirements for new and existing clients are robust and in line with FCA requirements, Money Laundering Regulations, Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG) guidance, and other relevant financial crime regulations, and remain fit for purpose.
• Provide expert advice and support to the first line of defence on financial crime matters to enable NWF to operate in line with all relevant regulatory and legislative requirements in relation to Financial Crime.
• Monitor and review the effectiveness of financial crime controls, recommending improvements where necessary.
• Undertake and/or assist in investigations into financial crime incidents and report findings to senior management.
• Participate in internal or external audits of the Risk and Compliance function, or the Fund as a whole, including inspections or enquiries from law enforcement agencies.
• Work closely with audit teams to provide necessary documentation and address any findings.
• Develop and deliver training and awareness programmes on financial crime prevention to colleagues.
• Prepare regular reports on financial crime risks and compliance to NWF’s Executive Committees, Board, and Board sub‑committees.
• Stay up to date with the latest regulatory developments and industry best practices.
• Perform horizon scanning – review updates and determine which are relevant to NWF.
• Oversee and mentor direct reports, ensuring effective performance management and professional development.
• Work collaboratively within a high‑performing team to deliver the function’s strategic risk and compliance framework, liaising across the 3LOD to deliver integrated assurance.
• Support senior management with interactions with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders as required.

Key Experience

• Significant experience working in a financial crime function, preferably within a regulated financial services environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing financial crime frameworks.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments and investigations related to financial crime.
• Experience in managing teams and delivering to deadlines.
• Experience within investment banking and/or infrastructure finance is desirable.
• Experience of public sector regulation or working within government would be an advantage but not essential.
• A legal background would be an advantage but not essential.

Knowledge

• Educated to degree level.
• Strong knowledge of the UK’s financial crime framework, including applicable laws, regulations, and industry guidance (e.g., sanctions, fraud, UK Bribery Act, Money Laundering Regulations, JMLSG guidance).
• Professional financial crime–related qualifications (e.g., ICA or CISI) are advantageous.

Skills

• Strong communication, listening, and writing skills.
• Ability to present to various audiences, including committees and senior management.
• Pragmatic and comfortable working with ambiguity.
• Strong attention to detail and well‑organised; ability to prioritise, multi‑task, and work well under pressure.
• Ability to think strategically while also focusing on details and execution.
• Strong problem‑solving techniques, including the ability to identify, research, and resolve unfamiliar issues.
• Ability to collaborate across business lines and functions with a professional presence; proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong business relationships at all levels within the organisation.

Compensation & Working Arrangements

Salary: £70,000 – £80,000. Hybrid working with a minimum of three days per week in the Leeds office.

Benefits

An opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on cutting‑edge technologies that will drive the UK’s future. Competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience.

EEO & Inclusion

The National Wealth Fund encourages a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people. Inclusion is at the heart of what we do and diversity in the Fund’s people and their ideas will be vital to our success. Appointments will be made on merit, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience, expertise, and perspectives.

Background Checks

Referencing and background checks are carried out for all roles at the National Wealth Fund. Successful candidates will be offered a salary that is appropriate to their relevant experience and performance during the selection process.