Head of Financial Crime (UK, US & EMEA)

This role requires strong leadership, strong stakeholder management, change management and strong subject matter expertise. The roletakesaccountability of a department dealing withFinancial Crimematters including Policy, Advisory, Governance, Oversight, Risk Assessments, Risk Management, Training, Communications, Operations, Quality Assurance and Remediation.

This role provides strategic leadership in developing, implementing,maintainingand embedding a robust AML/CTFprogram, operationalising it and having the right reporting and governance to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The role serves as the primary liaison with theregulatory and industry bodies.

The role also provides oversight of AML/CTFand Sanctionsrisk management across the firm’s offices in theEMEA and USregionsand ensurescompliance with the applicable AML/CTFregulations in the relevantEMEA and USjurisdictions. This involves continuous improvements in risk management frameworks and processes through training,governanceand oversight.

This roleis responsible fortheUK, US and EMEAFinancial Crime teamand will ensure global opportunities are optimised, throughconsistency with the global program andleading the team.

Strategy and Leadership

• Lead and manage the Financial Crime TeamUK, US & EMEA, including recruitment, onboarding, training and development, retention, and staffengagement.

• Proactive engagement with theDirector of Financial Crime,focusing on risk management, compliance,efficienciesand process improvements.

• Developing and implementing all strategies forFinancial CrimetoUK, US, EMEA andBAU.

• Engage with industry, combining industry leading practices, with strong commercial awareness

Program Development and Oversight

• Leading the Financial Crime Team on ongoing development and refinement of the relevant Financial Crime policies, resources, processes, and technology, including the firm’s AML/CTFProgram.

• Ensure firm-wide risk assessments are completed toidentifyand mitigate ML/TF risks.

• Maintain oversight of the Firms control environment of AML/CTFrisks

• Ensure the AML/CTFProgram aligns withUK, US and EMEAregulatory requirements and international best practices.

Regulatory Compliance and Liaison

• Manage responses to regulatory changes and ensure compliance withrelevant regulatoryreporting obligations.

• Assistthe EMEA and USoffices in managing escalated regulatory enquiries.

• Oversee systems foridentifyingsuspicious activity andrelatedreporting requirements

• Maintain proactive communication withrelevantregulatory bodies, ensuringtimelyandaccuratereporting of Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs).

• Liaise and effectively influence key stakeholders to address compliance challenges and ensure alignment with businessobjectivesand controls.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of AML/CTFlaws and provide guidance to ensure firm-wide compliance.

• Serve as the main point of contact for regulators, industry experts, and internal stakeholders on AML/CTFmatters on behalf of the firm.

New Business Intake

• Ensureappropriate duediligence is applied before a new client intake.

• In conjunction with the Conflicts Team,assistin the assessment of new business for reputational risk issues and advising stakeholders on the same.

• Being one of the Senior Management approvers forHigh-Riskclients/matters.

Governance and Reporting

• Establish oversight mechanisms tomonitorthe effectiveness of the AML/CTF. Provide regular reporting to the firm’s senior manager and governing body on financial crime risks, emerging risks, control effectiveness, and key initiatives.

• Monitor the effectiveness of the AML/CTFProgram.

• Arrange for inspections and audits, making recommendation based on findings.

• Support the firm’s Money Laundering Risk Officers (MLROs) and risk partners inthe EMEA and US.

Training and Awareness

• Support and steer the development and implementation of role specific training to employees at all levels to enhance understanding of financial crime and compliance and their roles and responsibilities.

• Provide regular communications to employees about regulatory changes, emergingriskand changes in polices and process etc.

Policy Implementation

• Ensure the development, implementation, and reviews for internal policies and procedures related to AML/CTFare compliant.

• Ensure these policies are updated regularly to reflect legislative changes and best practices.

• Ensure the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of ML/TF risks across the firm are controlled.

WHS Obligations

• ComplywithWHS obligations and responsibilitiesin accordance withthe requirements for this role and, for leaders at any level, this includes adequately supervising and supporting team members to promote a safe and respectful workplace

Educational Background

• Candidates should hold a degree in finance, law, business administration, or a related field.

• Candidates who have practiced law for a minimum of 3 years is preferred.

Certifications

• Relevant professional certifications such asCertified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and/or ICA qualifications preferred.

• Leadership certifications and training courses.

• Supplementary certifications are desirable in areas such as Operations, Lean Six Sigma and Risk Management.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience inFinancial Crimecompliance, risk management, or related fields.

• Minimum of 10 years leadership experience. Experience in buildingand managing diverseteams is preferred.

• Minimum of 3years' experiencewith working in a law firmis preferred.

• Experience of leading and working in global teams is preferred.

• In-depth understanding of AML/CTFlaws and regulations, including compliance requirements and standards.

• Familiarity with risk-based approaches to compliance and guidelines.

• Knowledge of ML/TF risk typologies, mitigation strategies, and the regulatory frameworks governing reporting groups and lead entities.

Skills

• Proficient in drafting andmaintainingrobust AML/CTFpolicies, programs, and risk assessments, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and best practices.

• Expertisein evaluating AML/CTFcompliance risks andidentifyinggaps in policies, systems, or processes.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare detailed compliance reports and present complex information clearly to senior stakeholders and regulators.

• Skilled in interpreting data from compliance activities (e.g. suspicious matter reports, risk assessments) to inform strategic compliance improvements.

• The ability to build internal and industry networks quickly.

• Deployment of influencing skills with senior stakeholders.

• Good commercial awareness.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritise a busyworkload.

• Ability to work autonomously.

• Excellent verbal, written and face to face communication skills with a variety of staff including senior partners and legalPAs.

Abilities

• Capacity to inspire and guide others, ensuring team alignment with AML/CTFcompliance goals while fostering a culture of accountability.

• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on AML/CTFtrends.

• Aptitude foridentifyingcompliance challenges and operational inefficiencies, devising effective, practical solutions tailored to the firm’s needs.

• Ability to rapidly adjust compliance strategies and operational processes in response to regulatory changes or new risk typologies.

• Proficiencyin teaching and explaining operational systems and technologies used in AML/CTFprocesses to staff at varying skill levels.

• Develops innovative solutions by valuing diversity of thought,expertiseand experience.

• Brings a positive energy to the way they work and inspires this in others.

• Draws on internal networks to bring people with the right skills andexpertisetogether to develop solutions.

Builds High Performing Teams

• Builds highly engaged teams that are diverse and inclusive and can excel in a range of situations.

• Creates an environment that encourages personal accountability and builds the confidence of others by highlighting their strengths and achievements.

Focuses on Clients

• Always acts with the firm’s clients in mind.

• Prioritises initiatives that will positivelyimpactthe client experience and their business.

• Develops solutions that balance client needs and the sustainable profitability of the firm.

• Takes active steps to cultivate andmaintainan excellent reputation in the market.

Innovates

• Leads and influences change.

• Seeks out market trends and introduces relevant ideas for competitive advantage.

• Envisions ways for the firm to differentiate itself and is driven to achieve this.

Behaviours

• Uphold the highest ethical standards and integrity in all compliance activities.

• Demonstrates a collaborative mindset, working effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve complianceobjectives.

• Ability to remain composed and effective under pressure, navigating complex compliance challenges whilemaintainingfocus and clarity.

• Creates an environment that values diversity, engages all stakeholders, and ensures respect in all compliance-related activities.

Attributes

• Proactive and strategic thinker with a strong focus on detail and accuracy.

• Proficient at fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.

• A strong advocate for compliance as a driver of integrity and trust in the financial system.

Working Pattern