Compliance and Financial Crime

Compliance & Financial Crime Specialist

Salary: -40,000 per annum
Location: London
Department: Legal & Compliance
Reports to: Deputy Manager - Legal & Compliance
Division: Subsidiary

An international bank is seeking a Compliance & Financial Crime Specialist to join its dynamic Legal & Compliance team in London. This is a key second-line role responsible for overseeing financial crime controls across the bank, including Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Sanctions, Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC), Fraud, and Market Abuse. The Specialist will also support investigations of suspicious activity reports (SARs) and act as a focal point for data protection, Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs), and data breach queries.

• Provide independent oversight of first-line AML/CTF risk management activities, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and screening.

• Conduct risk-based and thematic reviews of AML controls across business units, identifying gaps and driving remediation.

• Support the MLRO with suspicious activity investigations, SAR preparation, and regulatory engagement.

• Advise business units on AML/CTF compliance issues, particularly for higher-risk clients, transactions, or geographies.

• Monitor regulatory changes, update policies and processes, and deliver training to Financial Crime Operations teams.

• Analyze AML-related data and prepare Management Information (MI) to inform senior management and committees.

• Serve as the key point of contact for data protection, DSAR, and data breach queries, liaising with the Data Protection Officer.

• Bachelor''s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field.

• Professional AML/CTF certifications such as CAMS or ICA Diploma (preferred).

• 3-5 years'' AML compliance experience in a regulated financial institution.

• Strong understanding of AML/CTF laws, regulations, and regulatory expectations.

• Experience within a Three Lines of Defence model.

• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.

• High integrity, ethical standards, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and provide balanced compliance advice.

• Confident in challenging constructively and supporting business teams.

• Proficient in MS Office and comfortable leading on issues within remit.

This is an exciting opportunity for a compliance professional to join a leading international bank in London and make a real impact in safeguarding the organisation against financial crime risks while contributing to a strong culture of compliance.