Corporate/Wholesale Banking Financial Crime

Sponsorship is not provided with this role. Our client, an international Bank, is looking for a London based Corporate/Wholesale Banking Financial Crime. This is a hybrid position, 4 days in the office, 1 day work from home. The Corporate/Wholesale Banking Financial Crime will support in managing and strengthening the financial crime compliance framework for the London branch. This role has a strong focus on financial crime, anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions, and anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) compliance. The Senior Financial Crime - Corporate Banking will support in ensuring compliance with UK regulatory requirements and mitigating financial crime risks. Duties will include (but not limited to): * Maintain and enhance the financial crime compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and controls, ensuring compliance with UK laws and regulatory requirements. * Support to ensure the Branch comply with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. * Assist to oversee the branch’s compliance with FCA/PRA regulations and JMLSG guidance related to financial crime. * Assist in identifying, assessing, and managing financial crime risks, including AML, sanctions, ABC, and fraud risks. * Support the preparation and submission of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) and maintain related records. * Conduct regular reviews of the Financial Crime Risk Assessments, escalating issues and recommending enhancements to mitigate risks. * Monitor compliance with UK, Chinese and US sanctions regimes, including screening payments and customer records for sanctions breaches. * 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). * Conduct ongoing monitoring of customer activity and ensure accurate maintenance of client files and KYC documentation. * Act as the primary point of contact in the MLRO’s absence. * Provide advice to staff on financial crime issues and escalation protocols, ensuring that suspicious activity is reported appropriately. * Assist in preparing financial crime-related reports for senior management, Head Office, and regulatory bodies. * Design and deliver AML, sanctions, and financial crime compliance training to staff, fostering a culture of compliance and risk awareness. * Provide tailored guidance to front-office and operational teams on high-risk areas, such as sanctions screening and transaction monitoring. * Assist in preparing for and managing internal and external audits and regulatory inspections related to financial crime compliance. * Ensure timely resolution of any findings or recommendations from audits or reviews. * Support the preparation of reports. * Act as a compliance representative in committees or meetings as required, presenting financial crime updates and escalating significant issues. * Assist in implementing the Compliance Monitoring Programme, with a focus on financial crime-related activities. Skills & Experience: * Minimum of 10 years relevant experience. * Regulatory Expertise: Strong knowledge of the regulatory requirements for third-country branches in the UK, including FCA and PRA rules, AML regulations, and JMLSG guidance. * AML/Financial Crime Expertise: 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. * Deputy MLRO Experience: Proven ability to fulfil MLRO responsibilities, including handling SARs, managing financial crime risks, and liaising with regulators. * Analytical and Organisation Skills: 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. * Solid 2nd line of defence experience. * Must come from a wholesale/corporate banking environment. For more information on this role please contact Sarah Roffey by sending your CV and quoting ref 16850SR