Head of Financial Crime (UK, US & EMEA)

About the role

Primary objectives : This role requires strong leadership , strong stakeholder management, change management and strong subject matter expertise . The role take s accountability of a department dealing with Financial Crime matters including Policy, Advisory, Governance, Oversight, Risk Assessments, Risk Management, Training, Communications, Operations, Quality Assurance and Remediation. This role provides strategic leadership in developing, implementing, maintaining and embedding a robust AML/ CTF program, operationalising it and having the right reporting and governance to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The role serves as the primary liaison with the regulatory and industry bodies . T he role also provides oversight of AML/ CTF and Sanctions risk management across the firm's offices in the EMEA and US region s and ensure s compliance with the applicable AML/ CTF regulations in the relevant EMEA and US jurisdictions . This involves continuous improvements in risk management frameworks and processes through training, governance and oversight. This role is responsible for the UK, US and EMEA Financial Crime team and will ensure global opportunities are optimised, through consistency with the global program and leading the team . Primary responsibilities : Strategy and Leadership Lead and manage the Financial Crime Team UK, US & EMEA , including recruitment, onboarding, training and development, retention, and staff engagement . Proactive engagement with the Director of Financial Crime, focusing on risk management , compliance , efficiencies and process improvement s . Developing and implementing all strategies for Financial Crime to UK, US, EMEA and BAU . Engage with industry, combining industry leading practices, with strong commercial awareness Program Development and Oversight Leading the Financial Crime Team on ongoing development and refinement of the relevant Financial Crime policies, resources, processes, and technology, including the firm's AML/ CTF Program. Ensure firm-wide risk assessments are completed to identify and mitigate ML/TF risks. Maintain oversight of the Firms control environment of AML/ CTF risks Ensure the AML/ CTF Program aligns with UK, US and EMEA regulatory requirements and international best practices. Regulatory Compliance and Liaison Manage responses to regulatory changes and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory reporting obligations. Assist the EMEA and US offices in managing escalated regulatory enquiries. Oversee systems for identifying suspicious activity and related reporting requirements Maintain proactive communication with relevant regulatory bodies, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of Suspicious Matter Reports ( SMRs ). Liaise and effectively influence key stakeholders to address compliance challenges and ensure alignment with business objectives and controls. Maintain a thorough understanding of AML/ CTF laws and provide guidance to ensure firm-wide compliance. Serve as the main point of contact for regulators, industry experts, and internal stakeholders on AML/ CTF matters on behalf of the firm. New Business Intake Ensure appropriate due diligence is applied before a new client intake. In conjunction with the Conflicts Team, assist in the assessment of new business for reputational risk issues and advising stakeholders on the same. Being one of the Senior Management approvers for High-Risk clients/matters. Governance and Reporting Establish oversight mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of the AML/CTF. Provide regular reporting to the firm's senior manager and governing body on financial crime risks, emerging risks, control effectiveness, and key initiatives. Monitor the effectiveness of the AM