AML/KYC Compliance Analyst (Anti-Money Laundering / Know your Client) - Graduate Opportunity

Location: Belfast

Workplace: Hybrid

The opportunity: The AML/KYC Compliance Analyst (Anti-Money Laundering / Know your Client) will undertake detailed analytical research of clients and parties globally to provide efficient and effective Client Due Diligence (CDD) services to Firm Partners and local offices in new and existing client registrations and matters. The role-holder will utilize knowledge and experience of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Sanctions screening activities to carry out risk-based reviews and make decisions to support timely client onboarding and matter processing, ensuring compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements. They will review and disposition alerts generated through screening clients and parties; conduct beneficial ownership investigations, and undertake periodic reviews of existing client profiles.

Working at Baker McKenzie: Baker McKenzie is the world's leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services. We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast. We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.

Responsibilities:

• Undertake day-to-day compliance activities in line with AML obligations
• Provide all aspects of support to the Firm, its Partners, and offices about the AML/KYC function within New Business Intake (NBI)
• Diligently review and assess the AML and reputational risks associated with all new client and matter requests submitted via the Firm's intake system (Intapp) to perform KYC/CDD
• Perform detailed investigations to identify the presence of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) or Closely Related Associates (CRAs), Adverse Media, and Sanctions, utilizing several trusted industry sources (such as World-Check, D&B, Hoovers, Lexis Nexis), providing a concise rationale for false or positive 'match' decisions
• Conduct independent verification of client due diligence information using additional research methods
• Make sound and educated decisions regarding the existence and validity of possible AML, Sanctions, or reputational concerns and complete subsequent follow-up activities
• Conduct thorough beneficial ownership investigations to provide results to local offices and ensure compliance with Firm policies and procedures
• Thoroughly document research and analysis completed on clients and/or matters in a manner suitable for review by internal and external stakeholders e.g. Regulators, Audit, Risk, and Compliance
• Provide results of screening and client due diligence undertaken to offices at agreed frequencies and work to address any CDD concerns
• Periodically evaluate existing client profiles to keep client files up-to-date
• Conduct enhanced due diligence and monitoring of higher-risk relationships
• Review results of ongoing screening and monitoring activities to determine if further action or escalation is required, clearly documenting results and decisions made
• Operate within agreed SLAs and confidentiality standards
• Build trusted relationships with key internal stakeholders; Partners, Fee Earners, PAs, local AML/Compliance Managers
• Support internal testing and audit requirements
• Assist with any other AML Compliance-related matters or projects as identified and assigned by the AML Compliance Manager
• Assist with developing training materials, team standards, presentations, and courses on AML compliance awareness
• Engage and collaborate with team members through the presentation of ideas and recommendations regarding best practice, continuous improvement, departmental processes, policies, and procedures

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (2:1 or above preferred) or relevant work experience required
• Strong understanding of AML/CTF requirements and financial crime risks associated with the range of services in the legal industry
• Good relevant AML experience
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Experience with AML/KYC/Due Diligence processes and systems
• Experience with AML monitoring and screening
• Able to manage processes efficiently, with accuracy and attention to detail
• A recognized AML/Compliance qualification is desirable but not essential
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Strong decision-making capabilities
• Team player adaptable to a fast-paced and changing environment
• Good planning, time management, a prioritization of skills
• Able to work independently and also to liaise with other departments
• Must have good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other productivity tools (Intapp knowledge is an advantage)
• Flexible to work a reasonable shifting schedule is required
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Able to contribute ideas for process improvements and adapt easily to procedural changes
• Positivity and the adoption of a solution-based approach in all aspects of work

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