AML Analyst in Leeds

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim: for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long‑lasting social value and economic impact.

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like‑minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work – our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal‑led, privately‑owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.

Responsibilities

• Carry out client CDD on new and existing clients and counterparties, assessing AML, sanctions and reputational risks.
• Manage each stage of the CDD workflow and elevate concerns to the UK Compliance Director when needed.
• Maintain accurate CDD information on the firm’s systems.
• Respond to queries from fee earners and staff regarding CDD matters, client forms, client data, and general regulatory or compliance matters, ensuring that AMLTF queries are answered promptly.
• Complete second‑level checks as requested by the Business Support Hub to ensure that no invoices are raised with outstanding CDD checks.
• Assist the UK Compliance Director as directed to ensure proper AMLTF risk assessment methodology, processes and controls exist and are reviewed, correcting any issues with the appropriate team.
• Make timely escalations to the UK Compliance Director according to key activities as assigned.
• Produce management information to report on issues identified.
• Clearly articulate regulatory expectations and standards to Avison Young colleagues, both verbally and in writing.
• Assist other Global Risk and Compliance colleagues with creating and implementing strong control systems to ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures and external regulations.
• Manage own responsibilities and assist with the performance of other compliance‑related activities and projects as required, ensuring appropriate prioritisation.

Qualifications

• Experience in an AML compliance role, preferably within a real estate environment.
• Introductory level qualification in AML/CDD (ACAMS / ICA) would be an advantage.
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal – to allow regulatory expectations to be communicated clearly to Avison Young colleagues.
• Strong problem‑solving and lateral thinking abilities.
• Good understanding of Avison Young’s UK business.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Engage and build relationships with senior stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Ability to self‑manage, work proactively, using own initiative without needing direction, remaining motivated and leading by example.
• Keep up to date with trends and benchmarks in the main property sectors and have a good awareness of market and regulatory compliance sentiment.
• Exceptional focus on delivering timely and high‑quality customer service and advice.
• Embrace opportunities to collaborate with colleagues throughout Avison Young business.
• Ability to work well and remain calm under pressure.

Equal Opportunities

Avison Young is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to treating all of its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance under‑represented communities in commercial real estate careers. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats, special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact us at careers.uk@avisonyoung.com and we will do everything we can to help. We are committed to inclusion in our hiring processes, and we want to give everyone a chance to show what they can bring to our organisation. If you are not sure that you have all the skills in the person specification, please still apply. We value passion and potential in our employees, so it would be great to hear from you and why you would suit this position. Some of our roles may be remote and some may be specific to our offices, but you will need to confirm you have the right to work in the UK.