We are recruiting for a skilled and experienced anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime (FC) lawyer to join our team in Bristol or Manchester. This role is offered on a flexible working basis and would best suit a qualified solicitor with extensive experience of AML, FC and regulatory risks and requirements of a large law firm.

YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

We are looking for:

• Background in providing AML/ FC advice at all levels of a regulated entity, including compliance monitoring, sanctions and financial compliance
• Experience acting as a subject matter expert across the firm on suspicious activity reporting, proceeds of crime, anti-bribery, fraud and failure to prevent tax evasion queries
• Experience in creating and providing training on AML and FC risks, laws and regulations
• Experience drafting, reviewing and implementing AML and FC policies, procedures and controls
• Experience in acting as a point of escalation for client and matter take on queries and escalations, including AML/ FC risk, ESG and reputational exposure considerations
• Flexible, effective and persuasive verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships
• Strong drafting and communication skills
• Awareness of commercial issues with the ability to balance these considerations with managing stakeholder needs, within the context of regulatory and compliance requirements
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to carry out tasks independently

As a key addition to our growing team, you will:

• Play a pivotal role in ensuring continued best in class compliance with AML and FC law and regulation
• Ensure the firm complies with all relevant AML and FC laws and regulations
• Support the Head of AML and FC in ensuring that the firm’s policies, procedures and operations remain in full compliance with legal requirements
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, providing advice, conducting risk assessments, and managing FC-related compliance matters
• Support the Head of AML and FC, the wider risk team, MLCO and MLRO(s) to ensure that all aspects of the firm’s business are conducted in compliance with the law, AML regulations, regulatory requirements, and firm policies
• Support in developing, implementing, and maintaining effective AML and FC policies, procedures, and controls in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and best practice
• Work with the current MLCO, MLRO and deputies to assist in the discharge of their duties
• Act as a subject matter expert in AML, ABC, CTF, SAR reporting, sanctions and fraud, providing expertise on high-risk cases
• Conduct the investigation and support in the reporting of suspicious transactions, ensuring timely submission of suspicious activity reports (SARs) to the relevant authorities
• Support development of methodologies and conducting Firm Wide Risk Assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks across AML and FC
• Conduct horizon scanning and produce updates on changes and developments in AML and FC legislation and regulations and ensure that the firm’s policies and procedures remain up-to-date and compliant
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Risk and Compliance, Business Development, Can I Act partners and fee earners at all levels to address AML-related concerns and facilitate effective risk management
• Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks and ensure ongoing monitoring and assessment
• Support in developing and delivering AML and FC training programs to educate employees on financial crime policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Assist in the preparation of responses to requests for information from regulators and clients and liaise directly with them
• Support in provision of responses to internal and external audit requests on financial crime compliance
• In conjunction with the MLCO and Head of AML and FC, develop remediation programmes to address any gaps identified as part of any internal or external audit
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of financial crime-related activities and initiatives
• Supporting the Head of AML and FC on financial crime-related projects