Senior Compliance Officer

The role of the Senior Compliance Officer is to provide high-level support and guidance on compliance matters, ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with regulatory requirements.

This includes conducting detailed analytical research of clients and parties globally, providing efficient and effective client due diligence services to partners and local offices in new and existing client registrations and matters.

The role holder will utilize knowledge and experience of know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions screening activities to carry out risk-based reviews and make decisions to support timely client onboarding and matter processing, ensuring compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.

• Undertake day-to-day compliance activities in line with AML obligations
• Provide all aspects of support to partners, local offices, and stakeholders about the AML/KYC function within new business intake
• Diligently review and assess the AML and reputational risks associated with all new client and matter requests submitted via the firm's intake system
• Perform detailed investigations to identify the presence of politically exposed persons (PEPs) or closely related associates (CRAs), adverse media, and sanctions, utilizing several trusted industry sources
• Conduct independent verification of client due diligence information using additional research methods
• Make sound and educated decisions regarding the existence and validity of possible AML, sanctions, or reputational concerns and complete subsequent follow-up activities
• Conduct thorough beneficial ownership investigations to provide results to local offices and ensure compliance with firm policies and procedures
• Thoroughly document research and analysis completed on clients and/or matters in a manner suitable for review by internal and external stakeholders
• Provide results of screening and client due diligence undertaken at the offices at agreed frequencies and work to address any CDD concerns
• Periodically evaluate existing client profiles to keep client files up-to-date
• Conduct enhanced due diligence and monitoring of higher-risk relationships
• Review results of ongoing screening and monitoring activities to determine if further action or escalation is required, clearly documenting results and decisions made
• Operate within agreed SLAs and confidentiality standards
• Build trusted relationships with key internal stakeholders, including partners, fee earners, PAs, and local AML/compliance managers
• Support internal testing and audit requirements
• Assist with any other AML compliance-related matters or projects as identified and assigned by the AML compliance manager

• A bachelor's degree (2:1 or above preferred) or relevant work experience required
• Strong understanding of AML/CTF requirements and financial crime risks associated with the range of services in the legal industry
• Good relevant AML experience
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Experience with AML/KYC/due diligence processes and systems
• Experience with AML monitoring and screening
• Able to manage processes efficiently, with accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Strong decision-making capabilities
• Team player adaptable to a fast-paced and changing environment
• Good planning, time management, and prioritization of skills
• Able to work independently and also to liaise with other departments
• Must have good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other productivity tools

This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and challenging environment, where you can apply your skills and experience to contribute to the success of the organization.