Head of Financial Crime

Head of Financial Crime

Full-Time 72000 - 88000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Career Legal

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the fight against financial crime and manage a dynamic compliance team.
  • Company: Top global law firm with a strong focus on risk and compliance.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £160,000 plus benefits and career growth.
  • Other info: Opportunity for global travel and collaboration across international offices.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a newly created leadership role within a prestigious firm.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in Financial Crime, proven leadership, and knowledge of UK legislation.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.

Our client, a top global law firm, is actively recruiting for an established and experienced Risk & Compliance professional to join them on a permanent basis in their London office – working as their new Head of Financial Crime.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a top tier Risk & Compliance team – headed up by the London based Risk & Compliance Partner. You’ll be joining in a newly created leadership role and will serve as the deputy MLRO and In-House Specialist on AML, Anti-Bribery, Corruption, Sanctions and Fraud Prevention. This opportunity will allow you to have direct line-management for their Compliance Managers, Compliance Officers and Sanction Lawyers.

As the successful Head of Financial Crime, you’ll be responsible for (but not limited to) the following:

  • Acting as the senior specialist and principal escalation point for AML, Sanctions, Anti-Bribery, Corruption and Fraud across their London and global offices
  • Acting as the senior decision maker on high-risk client and matter escalations
  • Monitoring legal and regulatory developments, relevant to Financial Crime
  • Providing leadership and day-to-day line management for Managers, Officers and Lawyers
  • Identifying and championing improvements to onboarding systems and screening tools
  • Designing and implementing firmwide Financial Crime training for Partners, Fee-Earners and support staff
  • Setting and driving the firm’s global Financial Crime strategy

To be considered for this Head of Financial Crime opportunity, you’ll need to have/be the following:

  • Have a minimum of 10 years’ experience within Financial Crime and Sanctions, gained from a law firm or Financial Institution
  • Have detailed knowledge of UK Financial Crime and AML legislation
  • Have proven leadership skills and line-managed individuals
  • Be flexible and able to travel within the firm’s global network as required
  • Have experience of onboarding systems, screening tools and compliance technology

For more information on this Head of Financial Crime position and to review an in-depth job description, get in touch as soon as possible.

Head of Financial Crime employer: Career Legal

Join a leading international law firm that prioritises innovation and excellence in legal service delivery. With a hybrid working model and a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic operations while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. This role not only offers competitive salary and benefits but also places you at the forefront of transforming legal services, making it an ideal environment for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful career growth.

Career Legal

Contact Details:

Career Legal Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Crime

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Career Legal. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Crime

Risk & Compliance Management
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Sanctions Compliance
Anti-Bribery and Corruption
Fraud Prevention
Leadership Skills
Line Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Career Legal.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Career Legal's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Career Legal

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Career Legal.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Career Legal will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Career Legal employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.