BAU AML Advisor

THE PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Due to the growth of the firm and an everchanging regulatory environment, we are looking for a pro-active, customer service focussed individual, with a keen eye for detail, to join our New Clients/AML Team.

As an Advisor in the New Client/AML team, you will ensure that the Firm complies with its regulatory obligations by managing and mitigating risk, applying a risk-based approach where appropriate and providing support to junior members of the team. You will play an important role in implementing, embedding and monitoring compliance, including but not limited to, creating and maintaining all client due diligence (CDD)/anti-money laundering (AML) records, in accordance with relevant global laws and regulations.

THE TEAM

The Business Acceptance Unit (BAU) forms part of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) Directorate and is based across the Firm's Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dubai offices.

The team delivers high quality advice/guidance to the Firm across all aspects of client file opening, anti-money laundering CDD checks, risk assessments and associated risk relevant work, providing support to the Firm's Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs), Deputies and OGC team with high risk / reputational issues and the submission of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).

With a track record of success for providing internal progression, this role offers the opportunity to continuously learn, adapt, and explore various areas of Risk and Compliance, in a stimulating environment fostering individual growth and development.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE

Responsibilities include:

• Employing a working understanding of the AML regulations in relation to the Firm's operational jurisdictions under the supervision of the BAU New Clients / AML Team Leaders, Manager and the OGC Team.

• Conducting AML/CDD of varying levels of complexity across a range of sectors, practices, and jurisdictions on all new and appropriate existing client instructions in a timely and efficient manner.

• Investigative research using internal databases, third party information providers and publicly available information to gather AML/CDD information and documentation.

• Identifying and analysing a broad range of high-risk factors including Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) involvement, state ownership, complex structures, high risk jurisdictions (including EU high-risk third countries), sanctions information, intelligence and other reporting systems.

• Advising partners and associates on specific CDD/AML requirements, client of record, best practice, and other related AML queries.

• Coaching and mentoring of the BAU New Clients / AML Assistants, supporting the BAU Team Leaders and Manager in developing the team's knowledge on AML/CDD requirement and other relevant regulations

• Management of workflow across the team, ensuring work is prioritised and the team meets its 24-hour Service Level Agreement (SLAs).

• Conducting audits of CDD Forms and internal data management systems, recording findings and provide feedback to ensure work is completed to standard and internal SLAs are maintained.

• Analysing relevant sanctions notifications, investigating, and escalating potential legal and reputational issues to the BAU New Clients / AML Team Leaders, Manager and OGC Team.

• Supporting the BAU New Clients / AML Team Leaders and Manager managing tasks, projects and other compliance related work as required. Including drafting and updating BAU procedures and guidance in accordance with regulatory changes and Firm policy.

• Compiling Management Information ('MI') statistics for stakeholders.

YOUR AREAS OF KNOWEDGE AND EXPERTISE

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Experience of working in a comparable role within a legal environment.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the relevant areas of law and regulations across the Firm's global operations with an ability to interpret and apply international AML regulations.

• The ability to conduct extensive research, diligently reviewing AML/supporting documentation and critically analyse complex information, identifying key issues.

• A proven track record of making informed decisions based on sound judgment, applying a risk-based approach, under the guidance of the BAU New Client / AML Team Leader/Manager and OGC team, ensuring the Firm remains compliant with applicable regulations.

• Initiative, prioritising and promptly responding to requests/queries, addressing concerns, anticipating additional needs.

• Experience building rapport and trust with stakeholders of all levels to enhance communication with the wider firm and create a supportive and productive work environment.

• The ability to motivate and drive performance improvement, through knowledge sharing and providing constructive feedback to junior team members.

• Deliver results, providing proactive solutions to difficult issues.

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office software, i.e Outlook, Word and Excel. iManage and Intapp (desirable)

OUR FIRM

Our firm is a place where you are valued, encouraged, and challenged to fulfil your potential in a supportive and collegiate environment. Our culture of improvement, growth and collaboration delivers results, drives innovation, and rewards ambition.

We not only provide technical excellence and experience but, crucially, demonstrate real insight into our clients and what really matters to them and as such we are natural choice for FTSE100 clients and their equivalents in other markets.

Our success has been built by people from the widest range of backgrounds, locations, and perspectives. We have a number of employee networks that provide space to discuss the differences that make us who we are and celebrate this at our firm.