Senior Manager of Compliance (AML/Financial Crime role – Wholesale Banking)

Compliance Professionals; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000

Job description

THE COMPANY: Our client is an international full-service commercial bank. They are looking to hire a Senior Manager of Compliance for their London business. This role has a strong focus on financial crime, anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions, and anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) compliance.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintain and enhance the financial crime compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and controls, ensuring compliance with UK laws and regulatory requirements.
2. Support the CCO to ensure the Branch comply with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.
3. Assist the CCO to oversee the branch’s compliance with FCA/PRA regulations and JMLSG guidance related to financial crime.
4. Assist the CCO in identifying, assessing, and managing financial crime risks, including AML, sanctions, ABC, and fraud risks.
5. Support the preparation and submission of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) and maintain related records.
6. Conduct regular reviews of the Financial Crime Risk Assessments, escalating issues and recommending enhancements to mitigate risks.
7. Monitor compliance with UK, International and US sanctions regimes, including screening payments and customer records for sanctions breaches.
8. Oversee client onboarding processes, ensuring compliance with KYC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) requirements for high-risk customers, including Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
9. Conduct ongoing monitoring of customer activity and ensure accurate maintenance of client files and KYC documentation.
10. Act as the primary point of contact in the MLRO’s absence.
11. Provide advice to staff on financial crime issues and escalation protocols, ensuring that suspicious activity is reported appropriately.
12. Assist the MLRO in preparing financial crime-related reports for senior management, Head Office, and regulatory bodies.
13. Design and deliver AML, sanctions, and financial crime compliance training to staff, fostering a culture of compliance and risk awareness.
14. Provide tailored guidance to front-office and operational teams on high-risk areas, such as sanctions screening and transaction monitoring.
15. Assist in preparing for and managing internal and external audits and regulatory inspections related to financial crime compliance.
16. Ensure timely resolution of any findings or recommendations from audits or reviews.
17. Support the preparation of reports for internal committees (e.g., Management Committee (ManCo), Audit and Risk Committee (ARCo)) and Head Office.
18. Act as a compliance representative in committees or meetings as required, presenting financial crime updates and escalating significant issues.
19. Assist the CCO in implementing the branch’s Compliance Monitoring Programme, with a focus on financial crime-related activities.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. Must come from a Commercial/Wholesale/Corporate Banking background.
2. Strong knowledge of the regulatory requirements for third-country branches in the UK, including FCA and PRA rules, AML regulations, and JMLSG guidance.
3. Significant experience in managing AML, sanctions compliance, and ABC programmes within a regulated financial institution; Practical knowledge of transaction monitoring systems and sanctions screening tools.
4. Proven ability to fulfil MLRO responsibilities, including handling SARs, managing financial crime risks, and liaising with regulators.
5. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines; Strong analytical and investigative skills to assess risks and identify suspicious activity.

For further information please contact Hannah Tabatabai.