AML & Sanctions Manager

What we are looking for?

The Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Manager will support the International Risk & Compliance Director, including in his capacity as Withers' Money Laundering Reporting Officer ("MLRO") and Money Laundering Compliance Officer ("MLCO"), and the Regional Heads of Risk & Compliance. 

The role covers all aspects of Anti-Money Laundering ("AML"), Counter Terrorist Financing ("CTF") and Sanctions compliance, and will involve supporting Withers to achieve compliance with regulatory and statutory responsibilities and working with key stakeholders across the business including overseeing the work of the Risk & Compliance Team across the firm's European, APAC and US operations.

 Areas of focus and responsibilities:

• Support the International Risk & Compliance Director/MLRO, and the Regional Heads of Risk & Compliance, to supervise and manage the teams responsible for the development and maintenance of the firm's AML and Sanctions policies, controls and procedures. 
• Horizon scanning for updates to applicable AML laws and regulations and identifying issues and trends, and providing advice and guidance on how any trends or changes affect the firm.
• Providing regular AML, CTF and sanctions updates to key stakeholders and ensuring the timely delivery of any required changes to the firm's policies, controls and procedures.
• Provide advice and guidance on the alignment of global AML/CTF and sanctions policies, controls and procedures.
• Responsible for direct line management of a UK based Risk & Compliance Officer, and indirect management responsibility for the AML, CTF and Sanctions compliance elements of the firm's global New Business Intake team.
• Playing a key role in the development of the global Risk & Compliance team's AML and Sanctions expertise and ensuring that expertise is shared and embedded within the fee earning divisions.
• Deputising for the Risk & Compliance Director/MLRO in responding to internal suspicious activity reports or other referrals and making sure they are quickly assessed and documented in MLRO’s absence, including (where appropriate) reporting to the relevant authorities.
• Working with the Human Resources team to ensure that any new Beneficial Owners, Officers and Managers ('BOOMs') are identified and appropriate SRA approvals sought and the ongoing screening programme for relevant persons is undertaken in a timely fashion.
• Preparing regular reports on the results of internal auditing of compliance with the firms AML, CTF and Sanction compliance programme with a focus on (i) identifying and addressing any compliance concerns, and (ii) making recommendations to key stakeholders on any areas requiring attention.
• Assist with the preparation of MLRO/MLCO Partnership Board Reports and other reports related to AML/CFT or Sanctions.
• Direct and indirect management responsibility for a team of people who are involved in:
• the client due diligence ('CDD') process and screening for PEPs, Sanctions, Adverse Media, etc;
• reviewing matters to be escalated and requiring senior management approval, including making risk-based decisions about higher-risk clients;
• the monitoring of timing of the AML/CTF due diligence process and liaising with key stakeholder where necessary to ensure documentation is obtained promptly;     
• delivery of the global AML/CTF and Sanctions training programme; and
• communicating with stakeholders across the firm to ensure they understand their responsibilities for compliance with all AML/CTF and sanctions policies, controls and procedures.

Skills and attributes:

•         We are looking to meet experienced AML/CTF and sanctions professionals who have proven experience within a global law firm.

•         A minimum of 3 year's experience working at a senior level in an AML /CTF and sanctions compliance environment within the UK.  MLRO/Deputy MLRO experience preferable.

•         Bachelors degree in Law, financial crime, or related discipline (LPC preferred).

•         A recognised AML/Compliance qualification is desirable but not essential

•         Working knowledge of the legal and regulatory obligations (Money Laundering Regulations, POCA, and the SRA Handbook).

•         Experience of analysing data, including advanced excel skills.

•         Strong analytical and research skills

•         Great communicator, interpersonal stakeholder management and influencing skills.

•         Team player adaptable to fast-paced and changing environment

•         Experience of managing change and delivering excellent service.

•         Strong cross-cultural awareness, sensitivity and high level of confidentiality.

About Withers

For the past 125 years, we have supported some of the world’s most remarkable individuals and organizations. What we do for them is exciting, because what they’re doing is exciting. Our working environment is flexible and agile, which suits them and us. And our culture is highly collaborative. We work hard together, but always with humour and balance. We listen to ideas, and nurture talent and creativity. We have over 200 partners and offices in 17 locations across the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

We’re helping our clients to shape the future. Can we shape yours too?

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion. Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.