AML Business Service Owner - Director in London

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.

Role Summary

The purpose of this role is to work firm wide to enhance the 1LoD Fraud and Transaction Monitoring (AML) capability, aligning to the Three Lines of Defence model, working closely with Operations, IT and Compliance to uplift the operating model to meet the ever-growing customer and regulatory expectations of Financial Institutions. With the regulatory environment expectation becoming more demanding, establishing a dedicated 1LoD AML capability is essential to support the growth ambitions of SMBC EMEA over the next 3-5 years.

As we continue to enhance the First Line of Defence capability across the range AML domains, specifically Transaction Monitoring and Fraud, this newly created role will work with the EMEA Head of FCM and CLM to establish the AML Business Service Ownership team to identify relevant AML risks as well as execute actions to manage and mitigate.

Experience & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of Global AML laws and regulation and experience working with regulators and authorities
• Evidence of previous experience across a wide range of financial crime domains with strong focus on Fraud and Transaction Monitoring Tooling
• The role requires the candidate to be educated to degree level in an appropriate field of study – e.g. finance or business management
• Experience of managing SLA and KPIs
• Experience working in a fast-paced operational team
• Ability to manage and monitor progress of various dependencies to ensure deadlines are met
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work collaboratively as well as independently
• Must be detail orientated, analytical and inquisitive
• Evidence of effective communication skills both written and verbal including presenting complex information simply and succinctly
• Evidence of innovative thinking and problem-solving
• Must be able to communicate with empathy and sensitivity with colleagues across a range of functions and seniorities, bearing in mind cultural and language differences as well as the commercial realities of our business
• Practical and willing to take responsibility to ensure objectives are achieved

Business Area

Sitting in the Operational Planning Department, the EMEA Financial Crime Management Group was established in July 2024 and now comprises a team of 12 FTE, with plans to expand the team in 2025.

Position Description

The Successful candidate will:

• Act as the First Line of Defence Subject Matter expert and Service Owner working with Front Office, Operations and 2LoD teams to continually improve our compliance with the AML Regulatory Framework
• Work with Front Office and RM to review and assess the AML risk related to all Business development proposals
• Oversee the tuning activity managed by the Rules and List Management function, balancing effective and efficiencies measures
• Oversight of all Management Information relating to the full range of AML processes within 1LoD as part of the Intern Group Service Management Framework
• Work on ad hoc AML projects by developing innovative solutions to address AML risks and issues
• Working with Financial Crime Middle Office leadership, drive improvements to the KYC processes to better support post processing transaction monitoring and align Fraud alert handling processes to those with KYC
• Mentor staff and provide performance feedback to team
• Act as Transaction Monitoring and Fraud Model Owner ensuring relevant documentation is accurate and up to date and that periodic validation is completed and any remedial actions prioritised and addressed
• Play a Leadership role within OPPD, liaising closely with ITSD, FO and OAD
• Ensure the relevant AML Controls managed within the 1LoD are effective and all remedial actions are followed through to resolution
• Manage the AML Rules & List Management Utility team, ensuring that all policies and common standards are followed so as to ensure the AML and AML Screening Framework is effective and efficient

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Driving Change
• Driving Results
• Embraces Diversity
• Enterprise Leadership
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Risk Management
• Strategic and Visionary
• Trust and Integrity

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-being and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members' perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.