At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AML compliance in a fast-paced fintech, ensuring regulations shape real-world operations.
- Company: High-growth fintech revolutionising payments and digital banking.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team where your expertise directly influences product development.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on financial crime prevention in an innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified UK lawyer with 5+ years in AML/CTF and strong regulatory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Alexander Barnes has been engaged to hire a UK-focused AML Lawyer for a high-growth fintech operating across payments and digital banking. This role sits in the 2nd line, working directly with product, engineering, and operations to ensure UK AML requirements are built into how the business actually runs.
What you’ll do:
- Act as the UK AML/CTF SME across transaction monitoring, screening, onboarding, and SAR decisioning
- Translate UK regulation (MLRs, POCA, FCA Handbook) into clear controls, workflows, and product requirements
- Review new products and define risk-based decisions before launch
- Work with product and engineering to implement and refine AML controls and screening logic
- Support regulatory interaction, including audits and supervisory reviews with the Financial Conduct Authority
- Maintain AML policies and standards in a way that reflects how the business actually operates
- Track regulatory change and update controls accordingly
- Contribute to investigations, control testing, and risk assessments where needed
What you need:
- Qualified lawyer (UK) with 5+ years’ AML/CTF experience
- Background in banks, EMIs, or payments
- Strong understanding of UK financial crime regulation and FCA expectations
- Experience working with product, engineering, or data teams
- Able to turn regulatory requirements into practical controls and decisions
- Comfortable owning outcomes in a fast-moving environment
Useful, but not essential:
- SAR experience and exposure to the National Crime Agency process
- Experience across multiple jurisdictions
- Prior exposure to transaction monitoring or investigations
Not a fit:
- Pure private practice backgrounds
- Advisory-only roles with no implementation
- Governance-heavy profiles removed from product or execution
This is a role for someone who wants to move beyond interpretation and take ownership of how AML is designed and applied within a live product environment.
Senior Legal Counsel - Financial Crime employer: Alexander Barnes
Join a dynamic fintech at the forefront of payments and digital banking, where your expertise as a Senior Legal Counsel in Financial Crime will directly influence the design and implementation of AML controls. With a strong focus on employee growth, we foster a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and practical problem-solving, ensuring you have the support and resources to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Located in the heart of the UK, we offer unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technology while making a meaningful impact on financial compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - Financial Crime
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space, especially those who work in compliance or legal roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK AML regulations and how they apply to fintech. We want you to be able to discuss real-world applications and show how you can translate complex regulations into practical solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities and apply directly. This shows initiative and can help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your experience with product teams. Highlight any past collaborations where you’ve turned regulatory requirements into actionable controls. This is key for roles that require a hands-on approach to compliance.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel - Financial Crime
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your AML Expertise:Make sure to highlight your experience in AML/CTF and how it relates to the fintech world. We want to see how you've turned regulations into practical controls, so share specific examples from your past roles!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We love it when applicants tailor their documents to reflect the job description. Mention your experience with product and engineering teams, as that’s key for us!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like financial crime regulation. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Barnes
✨Know Your AML Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK AML/CTF regulations, especially the MLRs, POCA, and FCA Handbook. Being able to discuss how these regulations translate into practical controls will show that you’re not just familiar with the law but can also apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with product, engineering, and operations teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, particularly in translating regulatory requirements into actionable workflows. Highlighting your teamwork will demonstrate your fit for this dynamic environment.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Think about specific situations where you've had to implement AML controls or respond to regulatory changes. Prepare to discuss these scenarios in detail, focusing on your decision-making process and the outcomes. This will help illustrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Stay Updated on Regulatory Changes
Regulatory landscapes are always shifting, so make sure you’re aware of any recent changes in UK financial crime regulation. Being able to discuss how you would adapt controls in response to these changes will show that you’re proactive and forward-thinking, which is crucial for this role.
