Head of Financial Crime (UK, US & EMEA)

Primary objectives: This role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, change management, and subject matter expertise. It takes accountability of a Financial Crime department covering Policy, Advisory, Governance, Oversight, Risk Assessments, Risk Management, Training, Communications, Operations, Quality Assurance and Remediation. It provides strategic leadership to develop, implement, maintain and embed a robust AML/CTF program, operationalise it, and ensure appropriate reporting and governance for compliance with all applicable laws.

Responsibilities

• Strategy and Leadership: Lead and manage the Financial Crime Team UK, US & EMEA, including recruitment, onboarding, training, development, retention, and staff engagement; liaise with the Director of Financial Crime to focus on risk management, compliance, efficiencies and process improvements; develop and implement all strategies for Financial Crime across UK, US, EMEA and BAU; engage with industry, combining leading practices with commercial awareness.
• Program Development and Oversight: Lead ongoing development and refinement of relevant Financial Crime policies, resources, processes and technology, including the AML/CTF Program; ensure firm-wide risk assessments identify and mitigate ML/TF risks; maintain oversight of the firm’s control environment of AML/CTF risks; align the AML/CTF Program with UK, US and EMEA regulatory requirements and international best practices.
• Regulatory Compliance and Liaison: Manage responses to regulatory changes; ensure compliance with reporting obligations; assist EMEA and US offices in managing escalated regulatory enquiries; oversee systems for identifying suspicious activity and reporting; maintain proactive communication with regulatory bodies; serve as the main point of contact for regulators, industry experts and internal stakeholders on AML/CTF matters.
• New Business Intake: Ensure due diligence before new client intake; assist the Conflicts Team in assessing reputational risk and advise stakeholders; act as one of the Senior Management approvers for high-risk clients/matters.
• Governance and Reporting: Establish oversight mechanisms to monitor effectiveness of the AML/CTF Program; provide regular reporting to senior management and governing bodies on financial crime risks, emerging risks, control effectiveness and key initiatives; monitor the Program’s effectiveness; arrange inspections and audits and recommend actions.
• Training and Awareness: Support and steer the development and implementation of role-specific training for all employees; provide regular communications on regulatory changes, emerging risk and policy/process changes.
• Policy Implementation: Ensure internal AML/CTF policies and procedures are compliant, updated regularly and reflect legislative changes and best practice.
• WHS Obligations: Comply with WHS obligations and support a safe and respectful workplace for team members.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Educational Background: Degree in finance, law, business administration or related field; a minimum of 3 years practicing law is preferred.
• Certifications: Preferred: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and/or ICA qualifications; leadership, operations, Lean Six Sigma and risk management certifications desirable.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years in financial crime compliance, risk management or related field; minimum 10 years leadership experience; building and managing diverse teams; at least 3 years working in a law firm; leading and working in global teams.
• Knowledge & Competencies: In-depth understanding of AML/CTF laws and regulations; familiarity with risk-based compliance and guidelines; knowledge of ML/TF risk typologies, mitigation strategies and regulatory frameworks; ability to evaluate compliance risks and identify policy gaps.
• Technical & Communication Skills: Proficient in drafting and maintaining AML/CTF policies, programs and risk assessments; strong verbal and written communication to prepare detailed reports and present complex information to senior stakeholders and regulators; interpret compliance data; influence senior stakeholders; commercial awareness; prioritize workload; work autonomously; teach and explain operational systems and technologies.
• Leadership & People Management: Inspire and guide others, fostering accountability; build highly engaged, diverse, inclusive teams; maintain a culture of performance and continuous learning.
• Behavioural Attributes: Proactive, strategic thinker with detail and accuracy; collaborative mindset; composure under pressure; uphold integrity and ethical standards.

Working Pattern and Contract

• Full time; London; Permanent Contract.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We value diversity, equality and inclusion as part of our core values.