AML Assistant (FTC)

The firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has more than 2,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.

Description/Job Summary

The AML Assistant will support the wider AML team through the provision of administrative support and assistance with the implementation of the firm’s AML processes, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and legal obligations across various jurisdictions, as part of a high performing AML team.

Responsibilities

• Support the AML Team with regular and ad hoc administrative tasks, including maintaining tracker spreadsheets, cross-checking records, Team mailbox management and data collation / hygiene;
• Work closely with the wider AML team, who will provide training on carrying out more complex AML analysis.
• Review the AML and other financial crime risks associated with new client and matter requests, escalating to the AML Manager as required;
• Assist with conducting client due diligence;
• Document client and matter risk assessments in a manner suitable for review by internal and external stakeholders in accordance with the firm’s policies and procedures;
• Collect, review, and verify KYC documentation in accordance with firm policies and AML regulations;
• Support the ongoing monitoring of AML files and documentation ensuring record-keeping and maintenance of internal compliance registers, checklists and protocols;
• Provide support with the performance of adverse media, sanctions, PEP and watchlists screening on various parties, utilising a number of trusted industry sources, analysing findings and escalating as required;
• Assist with EDD on high-risk clients/matters, conducting further research, identifying and escalating cases with financial crime concerns as necessary;
• Effectively communicate with key internal stakeholders, including partners, associates and other business services teams (e.g., Conflicts and Accounts);
• Assist with audit preparation and other ad hoc AML/CTF and wider compliance projects as necessary;
• Keep abreast of regulatory changes and developments in the jurisdictions within which the firm operates (e.g., the FATF black and grey lists);
• Contribute to the implementation of procedural changes following policy or regulatory updates and;
• Assist with research and updating training materials as and when required.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree required (2:1 or above preferred);
• Law degree preferred;
• Strong analytical and research skills;
• A very high level of attention to detail;
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal;
• Ability to act autonomously with minimal supervision;
• Team player;
• Must have sound judgment;
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Good planning, time management and prioritisation skills; and
• Must have strong knowledge of Microsoft office applications, including Excel skills.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive

Hybrid: Monday-Thursday in office, ability to WFH on Fridays

Equal Opportunities

Simpson Thacher is committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity, or circumstance. We know that we are at our best when we bring together diverse experiences and perspectives. This is why we are focused on fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration, empowering every individual to thrive and succeed.