Job Description

Anti-Money Laundering ("AML") Compliance Manager

Job Location

London

Job Category

Business Services

Practice Group

N/A

Support Department

Risk & Compliance

Job Title

Anti-Money Laundering ("AML") Compliance Manager

Description

Role Purpose

To manage daily AML operations in the London office and lead and implement compliance improvement initiatives.

To be responsible for:

• managing all aspects of day-to-day client due diligence and AML Risk Assessments including overseeing and supervising the AML Risk & Compliance Team;
• oversight of the Firm's AML policies and processes and review and update of the same in line with best practice; and
• supporting the MLCO and MLRO in their compliance roles

The role holder will work closely with the Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLCO), the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) the Senior Risk & Compliance Associate, and the AML Deputy Manager.

Main Responsibilities

Team Management and Supervision

• Supervise and manage the AML Risk & Compliance team including the AML Deputy Manager, AML Senior Analysts and AML Analysts
• Provide strong line management, developing the team to their full potential
• Lead the recruitment, retention, and performance management of the AML Risk & Compliance Team
• Oversee workflow management of the AML Risk & Compliance Team
• Deliver regular training to the AML Risk & Compliance Team to ensure the team is up to date with applicable AML laws and regulations and advising on how these changes affect the Firm and its processes

Specialist Knowledge

• Work closely with the Head of Financial Crime to maintain the firm-wide AML risk assessment and associated AML policies in line with UK Money Laundering Regulations
• Design AML controls and procedures based on the policies mentioned above
• Develop and implement AML compliance improvement plans with a focus on Technology enhancements
• Work closely with the New Business Intake function on global matters opening policies and workflows
• Co-ordinate and implement recommendations following regular audits of AML compliance

Business as Usual

• Provide AML advice and manage relationships with key internal stakeholders: Partners, Fee Earners, PAs, AML Risk & Compliance Team New Business Intake, MLCO, MLRO, and Finance
• Oversee completion of AML risk assessments and client due diligence (CDD) by the AML Risk & Compliance Team
• Support the AML Risk & Compliance team with particularly complex queries e.g. use of the Firm's client account
• Act as an escalation point for the resolution of identified issues.
• Escalate issues to the MLCO where necessary
• Support the MLRO with a review of internal SARs and preparation of external SARs

Training & Awareness

• Identify internal training needs for Fee Earners and Support Staff and lead on the planning and provision of training
• Deliver new joiner AML training to relevant staff including Partners.
• Chair AML working groups with key stakeholders
• Prepare and report on AML developments to the Management Committee
• Draft AML communications to the Firm to raise awareness of internal policies and regulatory developments
• Attend external professional and industry events, representing the Risk & Compliance function

About The Team

Function

The Operations function provides the following services to the Firm:

• Support strategic decision-making from a risk management perspective
• Manage the Firm's exposure to risk via the early identification of possible Conflicts of Interest, Anti-Money Laundering / Know Your Client compliance issues, and employ risk mitigation strategies to minimize the Firm's exposure
• Manage Partner compliance to the provisions outlined in the Firm's Attorney Manual
• Manage risk connected to client contractual agreements with the Firm
• Support the Firm's client on-boarding and matter opening process

This role will report to the Money Laundering Compliance Officer.

The key relationships of this role are with the following:

• Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLCO)
• Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
• Head of Financial Crime
• AML Deputy Manager
• AML Risk & Compliance Team
• In-Market lawyers and management
• In-Market business teams
• New Business Intake

About The Candidate

Technical skills, qualifications, and experience

• UK / overseas legal qualification (or degree)
• Proven and strong team management experience including experience in day-to-day performance management
• Previous experience in managing and implementing key AML compliance projects preferably in an international law firm
• Detailed knowledge of AML/CTF requirements and financial crime risks associated with the range of services in the legal industry
• Experience with AML/KYC/Due Diligence processes and systems e.g. Intapp, Orbis, World-Check One
• Intapp knowledge is strongly preferred
• A recognized AML/Compliance qualification is desirable but not essential
• Must have good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other Productivity Tools
• Continually strives to deliver the highest level of service. Works to understand (internal) clients' needs. Regularly seeks feedback to improve the service offered and implements performance improvement measures based on feedback
• Excellent drafting and communications skills
• Ability to manage processes efficiently, with accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong decision-making capabilities
• Team player adaptable to a fast-paced and changing environment
• Good planning, time management, and prioritization skills
• Ability to work independently and also to liaise with other departments

Personal qualities

These personal qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and location.

Know how

• Demonstrates the ability to identify the real issue, and to anticipate requirements and potential consequences; distills a range of possibilities by thinking in a considered, prudent manner
• Has the capacity to take on new ideas and develop knowledge and think holistically about business and address media, analyst, employee, and client audiences
• Able to move through a variety of tasks requiring different approaches, knowledge, and expertise, with the agility of mind and capacity for analysis and synthesis

Dedication

• Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and upholds exemplary quality standards
• Prepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative and is self reliant to ensure work progresses to the fullest extent possible
• Hardworking and diligent with a keen understanding of client demands
• Demonstrates composure when dealing with difficult situations

Personal Impact

• Uses complex, coordinated influencing/negotiation strategies, adapted to people, organizations, and/or the situation, e.g. networks
• Leverages direct reports to facilitate increased collaboration across the organization
• Builds partnerships based on a common agreement that acknowledges individual differences but creates a new commonality beyond root belief large-scale
• Creates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocity
• Negotiates to achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes; shows good judgment on when to stand strong and when to compromise
• Invests in, nurtures, and builds a network of productive relationships

Humanity

• Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns the respect of others by being transparent
• Has care and concern for others and a genuine interest in others as people
• Treats delicate or confidential issues with grace and discretion.

Why Join Us?

Baker McKenzie is a truly global law firm. Founded in 1949, we advise many of the world's most dynamic and successful business organisations through our 13,200 people in 74 offices in 45 countries. Yet big does not mean impersonal. We work hard to ensure that everyone knows their role and has the support they need to perform it to the highest standard. Our culture encourages this - how we work, think and behave in a collaborative and fulfilling way.

In London you will be part of a 1,000 person office, which is also our largest office globally. Originally opened in 1961, Baker McKenzie London is well established in the UK as a leading international law firm and is regularly involved in some of the country's most high-profile legal matters. We can offer you the work, pride and experience of being part of a leading law firm but in a local office environment that is hardworking, friendly and supportive.

The strength of the firm and our culture is evidenced by a number of recent awards, including:

• Thomson Reuters (formerly Acritas' Sharplegal) Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index, 2010- 2022 - ranked 1st
• The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2021-2022: currently ranked 52nd
• Thomson Reuters ranked the Firm No. 1 for cross-border deals for the last 12 years. More than 70% of our deals are cross-border.
• For the 14th consecutive year, the Firm was ranked first for deals with emerging market involvement, by both number of announced and completed deals.
• Law360 ranked the Firm as one of the 400 Largest US Law Firms in in its annual survey in 2020.
• Identified as one of the Hall of Fame for best law firms for women by Working Mother magazine, 2011-2021.
• Received a a Gold Award in Stonewall's Global Workplace Equality Index of Top Global Employers for LGBTQ+ Inclusion.
• Ranked as one of the Top 20 Employers in the 2023 Social Mobility Employer Index.
• Received Double Certification for earning top marks in the 2022 Corporate Equality Index and Equidad MX of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
• Winner of the Europe Mentorship Programme - International Firm award in the Euromoney Women in Business Law Europe Awards 2021
• Winner of the Gender Diversity International Firm, Talent Management International Firm, and Work-Life Balance International Firm awards in the Euromoney Women in Business Law Asia Awards 2021

Have a look at our YouTube channel to find out more about us!

To Apply

Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application.

For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process please contact in confidence, David Roberts, Recruitment Manager, at David.Roberts@bakermckenzie.com

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NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Please click here for details of our Agency Policy and commitment to sourcing directly.

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity

As the first truly global law firm, diversity and inclusion are foundational to our culture and strategic vision. We are a Firm of individuals from across the globe with different backgrounds, ideas, and points of view who collegially work together to solve complex problems and design practical solutions for our clients. Our multiple perspectives come from many sources, including the diverse ethnicity, culture, gender, nationality, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, parental status, education, social background and life experience of our people.

Our global strategy is focused on our people, our culture, our clients and the communities where we operate. In 2019 we enacted ambitious new targets related to gender, racial and ethnic diversity at the Firm. These targets are viewed as a floor, not a ceiling, to advancing underrepresented groups, and they are backed by a variety of strategic initiatives aimed at achieving our goals. Our strategic vision is supported in London by six active employee led networks which champion diversity, lead on a number of internal campaigns and deliver a range of activity to celebrate differences in identity, inclusion, and key dates throughout the year including: LGBT+ History Month, International Women's Day, International Trans Day of Visibility, Mental Health Awareness Week, Pride, Black History Month, Social Mobility Week, International Day of Disabled Persons and many more!

Baker McKenzie London has been accredited by Disability Confident, joining over 18,000 organisations that have signed up to help change behaviours and cultures in businesses, networks and communities and reap the benefits of inclusive recruitment practices.

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