Job Description:
The role of the AML & Compliance (Regulatory) Lawyer is to protect the firm by minimising the risks associated with our day-to-day business, offering support and guidance to lawyers and educating them in relation to best practice risk management throughout our business.
The role will primarily focus on ensuring that the firm discharges its compliance obligations with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and acts in alignment with its internal risk/compliance policies. This will involve having an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework in the jurisdictions where we operate and act as an escalation point for junior team members in the Regulatory team. However, the particular focus and expertise will relate to the Middle East and APAC.
You will work closely with our Regulatory Counsel and Head of Regulation and Risk – APAC as part of the global regulatory function, which is managed by our General Counsel. You will be part of a global function who has responsibility for risk management and regulatory compliance throughout all the jurisdictions that the firm operates internationally.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Handle and resolve complex conflicts, AML/KYC and sanctions issues in respect of client onboarding
- Review, approve and (where required) escalate high risk client/matter approval and ensure ongoing monitoring
- Handle internal/external reporting and regulatory filing matters as required – become a subject matter expert in the local regulatory framework and requirements and to support the nominate officers in their roles.
- Lead / assist with audits with regulatory authorities/external auditors and implementing recommendations and any mandatory measures
- Take ownership over local/regional regulatory compliance (identify, define and design compliance framework, implement and maintain)
- Responsible for fostering a robust compliance culture and improving stakeholder engagement and reputation between the global regulatory function and practices (including training and audits)
- Provide regulatory compliance support to other teams within the General Counsel’s office such as client contracts, data protection/privacy, claims and complaints, governance and growth initiatives, as required from time to time.
- Support the General Counsel and Regulatory counsel in key local and global projects.
- Support the General Counsel and Regulatory Counsel in global and local regulatory investigations and reporting requirements.
- Respond to general risk and other ad hoc requests/queries from the business.
- Act as an escalation point for junior team members as appropriate
- Provide training where required
- Other responsibilities will be added over time as the role develops and as business needs require
Relevant experience/qualifications:
- Common-law qualified lawyer preferred (2-4 PQE)
- Compliance / regulatory work experience preferred
- Experience of working in a professional services business, ideally an international law firm
Key skills and abilities:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Proven ability to establish and maintain a high degree of confidentiality, respect, trust and credibility at all levels
- Ability to take responsibility and act autonomously
- Ability to solve problems creatively and effectively
- Negotiation and influencing skills
- Strong team player