Senior EDD & QC Lead in London

LHV Bank Limited is a UK-licensed bank operating across three core business segments: Retail Banking, SME Lending, and Banking Services (BaaS). The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of LHV Group, a listed financial services provider headquartered in Estonia. LHV Bank operates under a full UK banking licence granted in May 2023. The Bank supports over 200 fintech clients with embedded financial infrastructure, provides retail savings products via digital channels, and offers SME credit solutions across the UK. In line with its regulatory responsibilities and growth ambitions, LHV Bank is committed to maintaining a robust and proportionate financial crime control environment.

Expanding our services, LHV Bank now provides personal banking solutions. Our offerings include current accounts with competitive interest rates, fixed-rate bonds for long-term savings, and debit cards. Customers can conveniently access these services through the LHV App, enabling secure account opening and management.

Overview

Reporting to the Director of Financial Crime Risk, this role sits within the Banking Services Business Risk Management function and is responsible for leading and overseeing Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) activity across LHV’s Banking Services client portfolio. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of new client onboarding and periodic EDD reviews, manage complex and ad-hoc escalations, and perform Quality Control (QC) reviews of EDD assessments. The role ensures that clients are subject to robust, risk-based review and that financial crime risks, risk factors, and red flags are appropriately identified, assessed, and clearly documented. There may be future opportunity to assume formal line management responsibilities, subject to business needs and individual performance.

Role Objectives

• This role is responsible for managing the financial crime risks associated with LHV’s Banking Services client base, which predominantly comprises UK and EEA-regulated non-bank financial institutions and fintechs.
• Key responsibilities include:
• Leading and conducting in-depth virtual and onsite assessments of prospective and existing clients’ business models, AFC frameworks, and governance/oversight structures.
• Reviewing onboarding and periodic due diligence submissions and assessing the adequacy of financial crime control frameworks.
• Evaluating the risks posed to LHV through desktop research, client engagement, and onsite visits.
• Maintaining high quality and consistency standards across EDD reviews (both onboarding and periodic).
• Overseeing and guiding the team to deliver reviews to a high standard and within agreed timelines; conducting QC reviews and providing structured feedback and coaching where required.
• Presenting case summaries, client escalations, and management information to senior stakeholders, including relevant AFC Committees, and supporting EDD analysts in preparing such materials.
• Liaising with Relationship Managers, prospects, and existing clients throughout the onboarding and review lifecycle.
• Identifying areas of heightened or unacceptable risk, including assessing clients subject to the Special Interest Client and Excessive Fraud frameworks.
• Producing and analysing management information relating to onboarding, periodic reviews, transaction monitoring, onsite visits, and overall portfolio risk.
• Fostering strong, constructive engagement with internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Supporting the Director of Financial Crime Risk with project work, review planning, and task allocation as delegated.
• Deputising for the Director of Financial Crime Risk where required.

Experience and Attributes

• Demonstrable experience mentoring and developing EDD analysts and/or leading complex EDD reviews within a financial services environment.
• Significant experience conducting virtual and onsite assessments of fintechs or regulated financial institutions, including evaluation of business models, AFC programmes, and governance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of financial crime risk management frameworks and common control weaknesses within correspondent banking, payment intermediaries, and e-money institutions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and develop analysts’ technical capability.
• Sound working knowledge of relevant UK regulations and guidance, including:
• Money Laundering Regulations 2017
• Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Terrorism Act 2000
• JMLSG Guidance
• SAR reporting regime
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex risk issues clearly and concisely.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical judgement.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to develop, implement, and enhance processes.
• Committed to promoting and embedding a strong compliance culture.
• Able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.

Please note: This role requires substantial EDD and financial crime risk experience. Candidates whose experience is limited to KYC-only roles or retail banking environments are unlikely to be suitable. Limited travel may be required.

Some of our benefits (only applicable to UK based roles not Internship programmes):

• Competitive salary & lots of opportunities to learn, grow and progress professionally.
• Open and inclusive culture.
• Hybrid working.
• Fantastic offices and great working environment.
• Vitality Health Plan (includes private health insurance, travel insurance, gym discounts).
• Health cash Plan (Medicash health plan Level 3).
• 6% employer pension contribution.
• Life assurance – 4 x salary.
• Income protection insurance – 75%.
• 28 days holiday plus 3 additional days, & further days for various key life events as well as the opportunity to sell up to 5 days per calendar year.
• Swap public/bank holidays each year for alternative days that align with your personal, cultural, or religious observances.
• Enhanced family friendly and family forming policies.
• Access to a wide range of retail discounts.
• Team Socials.