AML Compliance Lead

Overview

JMW is recruiting for an experienced AML Compliance Lead to join the Risk & Compliance team, based in our Manchester head office. This role has been created to support our fee earning departments through dealing with escalated queries and training, manage the firm's AML policies and procedures, as well as ensuring compliance across the firm in relation to AML and Sanctions legislation. This role is well suited for an experienced compliance professional who is competent in handling complex AML and other financial crime-related queries, including researching, analysing, and providing tailored solutions to AML and other financial crime-related issues. The role will be primarily based in Manchester, with occasional travel to our Liverpool and London offices as required. Hybrid working (1 day a week remote) is available.

Key Attributes

• Degree level education
• A genuine desire to develop a career in AML, including an appetite to learn and develop knowledge in other areas of risk and compliance.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in an AML / Compliance role in a law firm environment.
• Working knowledge and understanding of current AML regulations, sanctions legislation and applicable regulatory guidance in the UK.
• Familiarity with MS Office, client intake software and financial crime focused databases.

Responsibilities

1. Maintain the firm wide risk assessment by considering:

• the data we capture through file reviews, onboarding processes, client and matter risk assessments, and AML software
• current risks to the legal sector
• guidance from the regulator

Assist fee earners in complex client due diligence onboarding for new complex clients, including assessments of reputational, ethical, and sanctions-related issues.

Provide general compliance support in AML to risk & compliance team members, including escalated screening alerts.

Prepare and deliver AML training.

Work with the IT department to review and amend current file opening workflows, including the use of electronic ID verification and screening.

Enhance and improve the firm's AML policies, processes, and systems.

Review samples of client and matter risk assessments, identifying gaps in knowledge.

Assist the MLRO and deputy MLRO with internal suspicious activity reports.

Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders: partners, fee earners, PAs, Client Services Team, compliance analysts, MLRO and deputy MLRO.

Periodically evaluate existing clients working with Partners and Fee Earners in order to keep CDD, ongoing monitoring, and risk assessments up to date.

Working for JMW

As well as a rewarding career, JMW offers its colleagues many other opportunities and benefits, including:

• A minimum of 25 days' annual leave (increasing with length of service) plus office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Travel Insurance - covering you and eligible family members
• Death In Service - 3 x basic salary
• Private Medical Insurance (subject to opting in) and option of contributing to add eligible family members
• Income Protection - cover of up to 75% of salary
• Access to an interest free travel pass/parking loan
• A one-hour early finish, one Friday a month
• Two days a year to do charitable work, with a huge variety of events to get involved in
• The opportunity to participate in sports teams, hobby clubs, and social events
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders