Head of Financial Crime

Head of Financial Crime, Leading International Law Firm

RedLaw have partnered with a leading international law firm is seeking an experienced Global Head of Financial Crime to lead and evolve its financial crime compliance framework across a complex, multi-jurisdictional platform, including legal and fiduciary operations in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the US and offshore jurisdictions. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering a global strategy covering anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, corporate crime, and related regulatory obligations. The role requires a strategic and pragmatic expert capable of influencing senior stakeholders and embedding robust, risk-based controls across diverse jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and enhance the firm's global financial crime compliance programme, ensuring consistency with local regulatory requirements.
• Oversee AML/CTF frameworks, including client due diligence, risk assessments, and ongoing monitoring.
• Direct global sanctions compliance and advise on complex, high-risk matters.
• Maintain and develop anti-bribery and corruption controls and third-party risk management.
• Ensure compliance with corporate crime, tax evasion prevention, and transparency regulations.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and manage regulatory engagement.
• Lead internal investigations and incident response relating to financial crime risks.
• Own policies, training, and initiatives to promote a strong compliance culture.
• Build and lead a high-performing global financial crime team.

Skills & Experience

• Significant senior-level experience in financial crime compliance within legal, financial, or professional services.
• Deep expertise across AML, sanctions, anti-bribery, and corporate crime frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of multi-jurisdictional regulatory environments (UK, EU, US, APAC).
• Proven ability to lead global programmes and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Legal qualification or experience in fiduciary/trust environments advantageous.

This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to shape and lead a global financial crime function within a sophisticated international organisation.