APAC Risk & Compliance Lawyer

Withersworldwide

Job title: APAC Risk & Compliance Lawyer

Reports to: International Director of Risk & Compliance APAC Head of Risk & Compliance

Location: Hong Kong 

About WithersWorldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration.

For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives.

We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes.

Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. 

To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. 

We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first.

Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What are we looking for?

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Manage the New Business Intake, Regulatory Compliance, and Professional Indemnity elements of the firm's APAC Risk & Compliance Team
• Acting as Claims Counsel in the APAC region and assisting the firms Professional Indemnity Manager (based in London) and Claims Counsel's in all other regions with a variety of Professional Indemnity-related issues
• Working closely with the firm's insurers and brokers, notifying them on any new claims in the firm and updating on any on-going claims 
• Managing current claims and circumstances in the APAC Region and instructing external counsel
• Advising the firm in respect of insurance-coverage issues and working on resolutions
• Providing training in relation to PI risks
• Managing the APAC Complaints Handling Process on behalf of the Global Risk Director and seeking to resolve client complaints
• Advising on professional conduct obligations in the APAC
• Support the International Risk & Compliance Director, the AML & Sanctions Manager, and the Regional Head of Risk & Compliance, to supervise and manage the teams responsible for the operation, 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
• Holding the Hong Kong MLRO role and responding to internal suspicious activity reports or other referrals and making sure they are quickly assessed and documented and (where appropriate) reported to the relevant authorities
• Assist with the preparation of MLRO 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.
• Work with the Crisis Management Team for the APAC to protect business continuity.
• Keeping up-to-date and knowledgeable on SRA regulatory guidance and developments, sharing any key advancements to partners and senior associates

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job and, as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Skills, attributes and qualifications

• We are looking to meet qualified solicitors with experience of handling complex complaints from clients and PII claim/circumstance notifications and proven AML/CTF experience within a global law firm working at a senior level (MLRO/Deputy MLRO experience preferable)
• Experience of policy drafting/implementation including training desirable
• Ability to effectively manage workload and move projects forward
• Ability to handle queries efficiently with diplomacy and tact, gaining confidence of partners and staff.
• Solutions focused, proven initiative and independent thought
• Understanding and familiarity with the PI insurance market, experience dealing with PI insurers desired
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, i.e. clear, firm and diplomatic
• Strong commercial aptitude with a modern, pro-active approach

Additional skills, knowledge and competencies required:

• Highly PC literate particularly with good Excel and database management experience
• Excellent attention to detail together with a methodical and organised approach
• Able to influence and build strong working relationships with internal clients and colleagues in a collaborative and supportive manner

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide 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 Withersworldwide 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.

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