AML/KYC* Compliance Team Lead (*Anti-Money Laundering / Know your Client) (NBI)

Location: Belfast

Workplace: Hybrid

The opportunity:

The AML/KYC Compliance Team Lead (*Anti-Money Laundering / Know your Client) will support the NBI AML/KYC Compliance Manager in effectively supervising a team of analysts within the AML/KYC department of New Business Intake. The AML/KYC Compliance team is responsible for AML and Sanctions screening, beneficial ownership research, risk assessment, document verification for new and existing client and matter registrations, ongoing monitoring and periodic review, and Foreign Activations. 

The role-holder should provide an efficient and effective service to In-Market personnel, to ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements. They will lead the team in their day-to-day activities ensuring all team members perform to the highest level and adhere to Firm policies and procedures. Also, they will support the manager with escalations and queries from stakeholders, undertaking quality assurance checks, developing and delivering training to support ongoing learning and development, and coaching the team individually to manage career development.

Working at Baker McKenzie:

Baker McKenzie is the world’s leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services.

We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.

We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.

About the role:

As part of this role, the successful candidate will:

Responsibilities:

• Proactively assess and manage workload to assign requests to the team daily in line with agreed work management strategies
• Monitor completion of requests, facilitating reassignment across the team or other centers where necessary
• Be directly involved in the team’s operations and lead by example
• Undertake AML and Sanctions screening, beneficial ownership research, risk assessment, document verification, ongoing monitoring, and periodic review and guide the team and In-Market personnel on these topics
• Review AML/KYC requests for accuracy and completeness, ensuring all required fields are populated, appropriate supporting documentation has been included and all information is valid and complete
• Act as an expert point of contact for team queries, providing support and guidance on policy, procedure, and technical queries
• Ensure adherence across the team with AML/KYC regulation, policy and guidance, and Firm standards
• Support analysts in their roles and support departmental performance and success through technical and critical skills training; identify training needs and work with the team to ensure they have the training and support required to perform competently in their roles
• Work with the Manager to implement quality assurance reviews to identify issues, trends, and training needs, providing constructive feedback with a view to continuous improvement and excellent service delivery
• Performance Management responsibilities are an important aspect of the role; hold regular one-to-one meetings with team members and contribute towards performance management; work with peers and the manager to ensure objectives, benchmarks, and performance expectations are aligned across the AML/KYC department and are consistently applied
• Responsible for personnel and administrative matters, including but not limited to resourcing, overtime, attendance, and staff training; coordinate assignments, compile and develop operational reporting, and other administrative duties
• Provide feedback to the Team Manager on issues, trends, training needs, enhancements, and support in drafting and actioning any required next steps
• Escalate Partner / Stakeholder queries to the manager for review or resolution
• In partnership with the Team Manager liaise with system vendors, providing regular feedback, documenting requirements, or raising issues where necessary to ensure operational and process effectiveness
• In partnership with the Team Manager, update and develop policies, procedures, standards as requirements change or as a result of other trigger events
• Promote the Firm values of collaboration and a culture of friendship amongst the team
• Build trusted relationships with key internal stakeholders; Partners, Fee Earners, PAs, and local AML Compliance Managers, displaying SME knowledge and acting as a key contact for AML/KYC queries/topics
• Support the Team Manager with internal testing and audit requirements
• Engage and collaborate with the wider NBI department through the presentation of ideas and recommendations regarding best practices, continuous improvement, departmental processes, policies, and procedures
• Assist with any other AML Compliance related matters or projects as identified and assigned by the AML/KYC Compliance Manager

Experience Required 

To be successful in this role you will need:

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree desirable
• A recognized AML/Compliance qualification is desirable but not essential
• Proven experience of working in a professional services environment with a focus on AML/KYC
• Prior team lead or supervisory experience desirable
• AML/KYC SME with strong knowledge and understanding of AML/CTF/Sanctions regulations and requirements, and financial crime risks associated with the range of services in the legal industry
• Experience with AML/KYC/Due Diligence processes, vendors, and systems
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills 
• Must have good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other productivity tools (Intapp knowledge is an advantage)
• Able to manage processes efficiently, with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to contribute ideas for process improvements and adapt easily to procedural changes
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Strong decision-making capabilities
• Team player adaptable to a fast-paced and changing environment
• Good planning, time management, and prioritization skills
• Able to work well independently
• Flexible to work a reasonable shifting schedule is required
• Positivity and the adoption of a solution-based approach in all aspects of work

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