Head of Business Acceptance (Conflicts & AML)
An award-winning international law firm is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Business Acceptance to join its growing Risk function. This newly created leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape and drive the firm’s approach to Conflicts and Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) across the UK and EMEA, while collaborating closely with colleagues in the US. Reporting directly to the Director of Risk, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the firm’s reputation and supporting its global growth through expert risk management and innovative thinking.
Hybrid working structure: 3 days in office, 2 days remote on a full‑time 9:30‑5:30 basis in an ultra‑modern office close to City Thameslink.
The Head of Business Acceptance will lead a team of approximately 25 analysts across AML and Conflicts and will be supported by a Business Acceptance Manager responsible for day‑to‑day management of the team.
Key Responsibilities
* Overall day‑to‑day responsibility for Business Acceptance within the firm, including acting as a point of escalation where necessary for Business Acceptance and Senior Analysts.
* Occasional visits to other offices as required.
* Act as deputy MLRO and support the MLRO with a range of relevant issues, including dealing with internal suspicious activity reports and external SARs.
* Provide support in financial crime with a Senior Financial Crime Analyst.
* Act as liaison for the US Conflicts team on arising issues and supervise London‑based analysts recruited to assist with US Conflicts issues.
* Keep up to date with changes in relevant legislation, policies, procedures and practices.
* Act as the firm’s Anti‑Bribery & Corruption Officer and monitor the Gifts and Hospitality register, providing advice to partners and fee earners on potential bribery/corruption matters.
* Supervise the Business Acceptance Manager in preparing documentation for the annual AML Risk Assessment and the annual Independent AML audit.
* Develop close relationships with other business services functions to facilitate co‑operation and knowledge sharing and attend regular Heads of Business Services meetings to provide input into broad operational issues.
* Organise and present training on risk topics as necessary.
Knowledge, skills & experience
* Demonstrated understanding of the risks faced by an international commercial law firm.
* Ability to manage the resolution of legal and commercial conflicts of interest with regards to applicable regulatory requirements, balancing the competing needs of the firm’s partners and offices.
* Experience of the US ABA conflict‑of‑interest roles is an advantage and will need to be learned by any candidate who does not have prior experience of them.
* Shares knowledge across the team and provides ongoing instruction and support.
* Calm and professional in the face of competing demands.
* Excellent time‑management and organisational skills.
* Actively promotes teamwork across the risk management team, encouraging a culture of cooperation, support and knowledge sharing.
Education and experience: A university degree, qualified solicitor or barrister or relevant experience as a risk professional.
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