Financial Crime Operations

We are a dynamic and innovative company at the forefront of our industry. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional products and services, and we are looking for a dedicated Financial Crime Operations Manager to join our team. This role will support the management and development of the 1st Line Financial Crime Operations Team, which serves all divisions across our group.

Purpose of the Role: To support the management and development of the 1st Line Financial Crime Operations Team, which supports all divisions across the group. The team comprises two main sub-teams:

1. Central Screening Function: Reviews screening alerts to identify high-risk business relationships.
2. Central Enhanced Due Diligence Operations Function: Performs Enhanced Due Diligence in line with policy and regulatory requirements.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Manage and oversee both Screening and Enhanced Due Diligence teams to ensure they operate within defined processes and service level agreements, consistent with Group Standards.
2. Provide clear guidance and direction for the operation of both teams, including workload prioritization and expertise in monitoring, controlling, reporting, and managing risk.
3. Ensure the team's systems and functionality are maintained and tested to retain operational capability, escalating concerns to the Head of Financial Crime.
4. Coordinate between central operations sub-functions, 1st Line Divisional Business Teams, Divisional 2nd Line Financial Crime Teams, and Group Financial Crime to address arising issues.
5. Produce concise management information for monthly and annual Board and MLRO reports, and represent the Financial Crime Operations team at various groups, oversight committees, and team meetings.
6. Provide advice, guidance, and challenge, exercising influence over business management to identify, manage, and mitigate risk and ensure compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements.
7. Lead in the management of employees, ensuring consistent application of management discretion and adherence to the Group's policies and procedures to maximize business performance.
8. Ensure all statutory and regulatory reporting aligns with Consumer Duty accountability, taking appropriate action and escalating to senior management and divisional risk teams when necessary.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills:

Qualifications:

• ICA Diploma in Financial Crime (or equivalent qualification) or equivalent industry experience.

Knowledge:

• Sufficient commercial perspective and overall knowledge of the business sectors in which we operate.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements related to supplier management.
• Subject Matter Expert in customer screening of Sanction and PEP requirements for UK entities.
• Subject Matter Expert in Customer Due Diligence and Enhanced Due Diligence processes.
• Understanding and experience of UK criminal law and its application to Financial Crime.

Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective relationships with management and external parties, enabling the delivery of practical solutions or the implementation of improved systems, processes, or controls.
• Proactive approach in overseeing the development and implementation of a comprehensive screening framework and Enhanced Due Diligence procedure.
• Ability to analyse data, interrogate systems, and extract data for report compilation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for delivering high-quality management information and presentations.
• Capability to engage with and influence internal and external stakeholders and peers.

Leadership:

• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Flexible working arrangements