Head of Financial Crime

About the role

The firm is seeking a Head of Financial Crime to provide strategic direction and operational excellence across its global offices. This senior position will shape the firm’s approach to anti‑money laundering (AML) and counter‑terrorist financing (CTF) compliance in a highly regulated environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Financial Crime team across the UK, US and EMEA, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, training and staff retention.
• Collaborate with the Director of Financial Crime to enhance risk management, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive AML/CTF policies that meet international best practices and local regulatory requirements.
• Conduct firm‑wide risk assessments, identify money‑laundering and terrorist‑financing risks, and embed mitigation strategies.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators, industry experts and internal stakeholders on AML/CTF matters.
• Support new business intake by ensuring thorough client due‑diligence and approving high‑risk matters.
• Establish governance frameworks, report on control performance and audit findings to senior management.
• Champion ongoing training programmes and ensure policies are regularly updated.

Required profile

• A degree in finance, law, business administration or a related field.
• At least three years of practising law is preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications such as Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or equivalent.
• Proven experience leading compliance or financial crime functions in a multinational environment.
• Strong understanding of UK, US and EMEA AML/CTF regulatory frameworks.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of AML/CTF regulations and best practices.
• Experience designing and implementing compliance policies and risk assessments.
• Ability to manage relationships with regulators and senior stakeholders.
• Leadership and team‑development capabilities.