Head of AML

This role will lead a team in driving all aspects of anti-money laundering, including ongoing maintenance of and compliance with effective anti-money laundering systems and controls. It will also take a lead on the Firm's response to sanctions. This role will have responsibility for providing advice and guidance to our Partners and lawyers, and ensuring the highest standards are upheld across the AML Team and more broadly across the Firm.,

• To lead the AML Team in delivering a cohesive anti-money laundering strategy for the Firm and maintaining compliance with the Firm's AML policies, controls and procedures.
• Act as a role model and effective line manager and supervisor of the Financial Crime Risk Managers and wider AML matter onboarding team, building a team that embraces continuous learning and opportunities for career development.
• Accountability for managing the Firm's MLRO Team inbox in Intapp (our Matter Opening system).
• To act more broadly as the escalation point for complex AML queries both for the AML Team and the Firm more broadly - to liaise with the MLCO/COLP and MLRO where appropriate.
• To engage and build relationships with the client-facing legal experts in the business across sanctions, financial crime and AML more broadly.
• To contribute effectively to the continuing development of the Firm's Matter Opening system (Intapp).
• To lead on the training to be delivered to the Firm regarding AML and anti-terrorism financing.
• To support on all sanctions-related work which will involve regular engagement other stakeholders in the Firm.
• To contribute towards other ad-hoc projects within the department as and when requested, which may include collaborating with colleagues across the function.
• To provide ad-hoc out of hours support (including weekends) to Partners and Lawyers on emergency matters relating to AML (this responsibility will be shared amongst the AML team).
  
  Risk and Compliance work in collaboration with the business to ensure best practice across the Firm, effectively managing all aspects of the regulation surrounding the efficient running of the Firm. We are looking for someone with high attention to detail who prides themselves on providing an excellent service.
The role will involve working with key internal stakeholders in a fast-paced environment, so managing your time and the expectations of others is paramount. You will be joining a hardworking and fun team, who work together to provide a high level of service to the Firm and its clients.,
• Significant experience as a qualified solicitor in an AML-focussed role with proven experience in managing escalations on complex AML, sanctions and financial crime matters. Experience working in a law firm compliance role is essential.
• Significant experience and knowledge of the relevant legislation and guidance including in particular MLRs, LSAG and POCA.
• Significant experience in successfully managing and leading a team.
• Meaningful experience with Intapp (our Matter Opening system) is highly desirable but not essential.
• Proven experience in liaising with senior stakeholders in providing advice and guidance on AML-related policies and procedures.
We are seeking candidates with "hands on" experience who possess the following skills and attributes:
• Strong people management skills with proven experience in successfully building a high performing team.
• Strong interpersonal skills to be able to present themselves in a commercial and confident manner to a range of stakeholders.
• The highest standards of legal rigour, delivered with care in a professional and pleasant manner.
• Excellent drafting skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• A diligent and effective record keeper.
• Strong team player - this role is highly collaborative and requires someone who enjoys working alongside colleagues and takes a supportive and agile approach.
• Strong organisational and prioritising skills, to meet the demands of challenging and commercial internal clients, as well as dealing with competing priorities.
• Efficient and responsive with an ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage own diverse workload.
• Robust, diligent and confident, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive, resilient and calm under pressure.
• Takes responsibility for and attends to self-development.
• Flexible and agile approach to the workload, with the ability to work in close collaboration with the General Counsel Team and other members of the Department.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  
  The Mishcon de Reya Group is an independent, international professional services business with law at its heart, employing over 1400 people with over 650 lawyers. It includes the law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP and a collection of leading consultancy businesses that complement the firm's legal services.
Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Hong Kong and UAE. The firm services an international community of clients and provides advice in situations where the constraints of geography often do not apply.The work the firm undertakes is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and complex, centred around three increasingly entwined and connected sectors: the Innovation Economy, Private Wealth and Capital, and Real Estate. The firm is known as a disputes powerhouse with a formidable capacity firmwide for dispute resolution. The Mishcon de Reya Group includes consultancy businesses MDR Discover,MDR Mayfair(in London, Singapore and Dubai), MDR ONE, and MDRi(in Hong Kong). The Group also includesMDR Lab, which invests in the most promising early stage legaltech companies as well as the Mishcon Academy, its in-house place of learning and platform for thought leadership. In 2024, the Group announced its first strategic acquisition in the alternative legal services market, flexible legal resourcing business Flex Legal. It also acquired a majority stake in Somos, a global group actions management business. We strive to create a fully diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We are proud of our agile working culture and are always happy to talk flexible working.