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.

Highly lucrative salary + excellent benefits

Hybrid working structure (3 days office, 2 remotely) on a full-time 9.30-5.30 basis

Ultra-modern office space close to City Thameslink

The Head of Business Acceptance will be responsible for a team of circa 25 analysts across AML and Conflicts and will be supported by a Business Acceptance Manager who has day-to-day responsibility for the management of the team who are mainly based there.

Key responsibilities

• Overall day-to-day responsibility for Business Acceptance within the firm, including acting as a point of escalation where necessary for the Business Acceptance and the Senior Analysts. Occasional visits to other offices are likely to be required.
• Acting as deputy MLRO and supporting the MLRO with a range of relevant issues, including dealing with internal suspicious activity reports and external SARs. There is support within the team on financial crime from a Senior Financial Crime Analyst.
• Being a point of liaison for the US Conflicts team on issues arising and supervising a team of London based analysts who are being recruited to assist with US Conflicts issues.
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in relevant legislation, policies, procedures and practices.
• Acting as the firm’s Anti-Bribery & Corruption Officer and monitoring the Gifts and Hospitality register, including providing advice to partners and fee earners on potential bribery corruptions matters
• Supervising the Business Acceptance Manager in preparing documentation for the annual AML Risk Assessment and the annual Independent AML audit.
• Developing close relationships with other business services functions to facilitate co-operation and knowledge sharing and attending regular Heads of Business Services meetings to provide input into broad operational issues.
• Organising and presenting training on risk topics as necessary.

Knowledge, skills & experience

• Able to demonstrate 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 the applicable regulatory requirements and taking account of the competing needs of the firm’s partners and offices;
• Experience of the US ABA conflict of interest roles will be 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, promoting a team culture that encourages co-operation, support and knowledge sharing.
• Education and experience: A university degree, Qualified solicitor or barrister or experience risk professional