At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team in financial crime and sanctions compliance.
- Company: Elite international law firm with a focus on risk and compliance.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with regulators and build relationships across global offices.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and influence senior stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in financial crime, strong leadership, and technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 112000 £ per year.
An elite international law firm is seeking a senior financial crime leader to head up its Financial Crime and Sanctions function within a global onboarding team. This is a high-impact leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape strategy, influence senior stakeholders, and drive best-in-class compliance across a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment. This role sits at the heart of the firm’s risk and compliance infrastructure, leading a sizeable Financial Crime and Sanctions team and setting the strategic direction across AML, sanctions, and broader financial crime frameworks. You will play a critical role in evolving the firm’s approach to regulatory compliance while ensuring efficient, commercially aware decision-making. Working closely with the General Counsel, MLRO, and senior onboarding leadership, you will operate as a key decision-maker on complex issues. The role offers significant exposure across the firm’s UK and international offices, requiring visible leadership and regular engagement with senior stakeholders and regulators.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing Financial Crime and Sanctions team
- Drive the firm’s response to an evolving global regulatory landscape
- Oversee financial crime strategy, policy development, and implementation
- Act as a senior decision-maker on complex client and matter risk issues
- Collaborate closely with GC, MLRO and onboarding leadership
- Provide visible leadership across multiple offices, building strong stakeholder relationships
- Represent the function internally and externally, including engagement with regulators
About You:
- Minimum 8 years’ experience in financial crime within a law firm environment
- Proven leadership and team management experience within a legal or professional services setting
- Strong technical expertise across AML, sanctions and broader financial crime frameworks
- Experience operating within a complex, international and regulated environment
- Ability to influence at senior level and act as a trusted advisor to leadership
- Commercially minded with strong judgement and decision-making capability
Take the Next Step:
If this opportunity resonates, please contact Chris Simmonds at chris.simmonds@mrasearch.co.uk or 07947 857 473 for a confidential discussion.
Head of Financial Crime employer: MRA Search
MRA Search is an exceptional employer that values the expertise of its legal team, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of central London. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides ample opportunities for professional advancement while promoting a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and engagement. The hybrid working model ensures flexibility, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
