Head of financial crime

A prestigious, world-leading law firm is seeking a Head of Financial Crime to provide strategic direction and operational excellence across its global offices. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to shape the future of financial crime compliance in a highly respected, fully integrated international environment. Role includes:
Provide strategic leadership for the Financial Crime Team across the UK, US, and EMEA regions by overseeing recruitment, onboarding, training initiatives, staff retention strategies, and fostering high levels of engagement. Collaborate closely with the Director of Financial Crime to drive risk management improvements, ensure compliance with evolving regulations, enhance operational efficiencies, and implement process enhancements. Develop and refine comprehensive financial crime policies and procedures that align with international best practices as well as local regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction.

Oversee firm-wide risk assessments to identify money laundering and terrorist financing risks while ensuring effective mitigation strategies are embedded throughout all business units. Maintain proactive communication with relevant regulatory authorities by managing responses to regulatory changes and ensuring timely reporting of suspicious activities or matters as required by law. Serve as the primary point of contact for regulators, industry experts, internal stakeholders, and external partners on all AML/CTF-related issues affecting the firm globally.

Support new business intake processes by ensuring thorough due diligence is conducted on prospective clients in partnership with the Conflicts Team; act as a senior management approver for high-risk clients or matters. Establish robust governance frameworks to monitor the effectiveness of AML/CTF controls through regular reporting to senior management on emerging risks, control performance metrics, audit findings, and key initiatives.

Champion ongoing training programmes tailored to different employee groups to raise awareness about financial crime risks while communicating updates on regulatory changes or policy adjustments effectively across all levels. Ensure internal policies are regularly reviewed and updated in line with legislative developments; oversee inspections or audits related to AML/CTF compliance and support Money Laundering Risk Officers (MLROs) throughout EMEA and US offices.

Role requirements:

A degree in finance, law, business administration or a related field is essential; candidates who have practised law for at least three years are preferred. Relevant professional certifications such as Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or ICA qualifications are highly desirable; supplementary certifications in operations or risk management add value. At least ten years' experience in financial crime compliance or risk management roles within complex organisations is required;

prior experience building and managing diverse teams is advantageous. Demonstrated expertise in drafting comprehensive AML/CTF policies aligned with both local regulations and international best practices is crucial for success in this position. Proven ability to evaluate compliance risks accurately while identifying gaps in existing systems or processes-and implementing practical solutions tailored to organisational needs-is vital. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are necessary for preparing detailed reports for senior stakeholders as well as presenting complex information clearly during regulatory engagements.

Experience working within global teams-ideally including at least three years' exposure to law firm environments-is preferred; familiarity with EMEA/US regulatory frameworks is beneficial. Strong commercial awareness combined with an aptitude for building internal networks quickly enables effective stakeholder engagement at all levels of the business. Capacity to inspire others by fostering accountability within teams while promoting diversity of thought ensures high performance across geographically dispersed groups.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates