At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial crime operations, ensuring compliance and risk management across customer onboarding.
- Company: Join Vanguard, a revolutionary investment company focused on client interests.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Apply early as we review applications on a rolling basis.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial crime prevention while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in financial crime and strong leadership skills required.
The Role
As a key member of the Financial Crime Operations leadership team, the Head of Financial Crimes Operations Execution leads the delivery of financial crime prevention and detection customer onboarding and in-life controls across Vanguard's UK Personal Investor business. The role is responsible for overseeing customer onboarding and ongoing monitoring activities, including CDD, sanctions, PEP and adverse media screening, and transaction monitoring.
Leading a team of leaders, specialists and operational professionals, you will ensure effective risk management, regulatory compliance and operational excellence, while driving continuous improvement through data, technology and automation. Working closely with senior leaders and second-line partners, you will help shape a scalable, customer-focused financial crime framework that supports Vanguard's growth and maintains strong risk outcomes.
In this role you will:
- Lead the execution of financial crime controls across the client lifecycle, including CDD, EDD, sanctions, PEP and adverse media screening, and transaction monitoring.
- Support the development and delivery of Vanguard's Financial Crime strategy, ensuring alignment with business growth, customer experience and risk appetite.
- Develop and evolve the target operating model for onboarding and ongoing customer due diligence, using data, MI and KPIs to drive performance and decision-making.
- Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Drive risk reduction, remediation and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring consistent application of controls and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with Risk, Compliance and business stakeholders to identify, assess and mitigate financial crime risks across the investment lifecycle.
- Lead transformation initiatives, including the implementation of new technologies, workflow solutions, automation and AI-enabled capabilities.
- Oversee key third-party relationships, audits, regulatory reviews and remediation activities to maintain a robust and effective control environment.
What it takes:
- Extensive Financial Crime experience across AML, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions, PEP and adverse media screening.
- Strong understanding of UK financial crime regulations and their application within retail investing and financial services.
- Proven experience leading operational teams and delivering large-scale customer lifecycle and financial crime processes.
- Experience using data, MI and analytics to improve operational performance and manage risk.
- Strong people leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility at all levels.
- Strategic thinker with a strong delivery focus and a practical, hands-on approach to problem solving.
Special Factors:
- Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.
- This is a hybrid position and would require you to work in the office 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday).
- Please note that we review applications on a rolling basis and may close this role early if there is a high level of interest. To avoid missing out, we recommend applying as soon as possible.
Why Vanguard?
Vanguard is a different kind of investment company. It was founded in the United States in 1975 on a simple but revolutionary idea: that an investment company should manage its funds solely in the interests of its clients. This is a philosophy that has helped millions of people around the world to achieve their goals with low-cost, uncomplicated investments. It's what we stand for: value to investors.
How We Work:
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
Head of Financial Crime Operations Execution in London employer: The Vanguard Group
Vanguard is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial crime operations within a mission-driven and collaborative culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous improvement initiatives and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a hybrid working environment that promotes flexibility and in-person collaboration. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive workplace that values your contributions and fosters professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Crime Operations Execution in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Crime Operations Execution in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to The Vanguard Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
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How to prepare for a job interview at The Vanguard Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with The Vanguard Group.
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Vanguard Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former The Vanguard Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
