Location: London Head Office (Hybrid: 50% Office / 50% Home)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm
Department: Service Operations – First Line Risk
Reporting to: Financial Crime Manager (1st Line)
Overview
Our client, a growing UK specialist bank, is seeking a Financial Crime Specialist to join their First Line Risk function. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-performing team within a bank that focuses on under-served segments of the UK market, with a strong presence in SME lending and customer savings.
The Financial Crime Specialist will play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the bank’s operations, acting as a key point of contact for financial crime prevention, client due diligence, and fraud oversight.
Key Responsibilities
* Perform Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk customers and prepare comprehensive reports for the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
* Conduct investigations in collaboration with the 2nd Line Financial Crime team, supporting the submission of Suspicious Activity Event (SAE) reports
* Provide expert guidance to internal teams on high-risk scenarios and regulatory requirements
* Monitor and investigate fraud alerts, escalating findings where appropriate
* Support Financial Crime Analysts in performing onboarding and ongoing KYC checks, including screening and transaction monitoring
* Maintain accurate KYC/AML records and ensure all customer due diligence information is current and complete
* Contribute to first-line assurance reviews, ensuring compliance with internal policies and risk appetite
* Assist in embedding compliance procedures into operational processes and standard operating procedures
* Mentor and support junior team members and business stakeholders to improve understanding of financial crime policies
* Participate in cross-functional AML and KYC-related projects
Candidate Profile
* Strong professional background in financial crime or financial services compliance
* Solid knowledge of UK AML frameworks, including JMLSG guidance, the FCA Handbook, Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), and FATF recommendations
* Proven experience in KYC/CDD processes, particularly onboarding of sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies
* Ability to interpret and advise on complex corporate structures
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail
* Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
This is an ideal opportunity for a financial crime professional seeking to join a values-driven organisation where specialist knowledge and integrity are highly valued. The successful candidate will be based in London, working on a hybrid model with no business travel expected.