Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Analyst - Contract (9 months)

Location:

Belfast

Workplace:

Hybrid

The opportunity:

The Anti-Money Laundering ("AML") Analyst - Contract (9 months) will undertake AML processes such as Client Due Diligence (CDD), Risk Assessments, Monitoring, and Reporting. This role requires risk-based analysis, decision-making, and proactive collection and validation of information needed to support timely client onboarding and matter processing in line with regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for client onboarding and matter processing, conducting periodic reviews, and assisting Management with other AML/Compliance activities as required.

Working at Baker McKenzie:

Baker McKenzie is the world’s leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services.

We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.

We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.

About the role:

As part of this role, the successful candidate will:

Responsibilities:

• Review and assess the AML and reputational risk associated with a new client and matter requests
• Interact with partners and fee earners to collect mandatory documentation required to complete CDD successfully, reviewing and verifying documentation received
• Perform client due diligence and screening for PEPs, Sanctions, Adverse Media, etc., utilizing several trusted industry sources
• Disposition screening alerts determining true or false matches, escalating if required
• Thoroughly document research and analysis completed on clients and/or matters in a manner suitable for review by internal and external stakeholders e.g. Regulators, Audit, and AML Compliance managers
• Perform and review client and matter risk assessments and make risk-based decisions based on the analysis undertaken
• Complete appropriate research to obtain a good understanding of a client’s business and related parties to monitor the client’s activities for unusual transactions.
• Provide AML advice and support to internal stakeholders: Partners, Fee Earners, and PAs
• Perform investigations where there are ML/CTF suspicions regarding clients and/or matters and escalate findings clearly and concisely for internal review by the AML Compliance Manager, MLCO, and MLRO
• Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders: Partners, Fee Earners, PAs, Matter Management, New Business Intake, AML Compliance Manager, MLCO, and MLRO
• Act as a point of contact for the Firm's central New Business Intake team and other internal teams to resolve challenges with matter opening timely and efficiently
• Periodically evaluate existing clients working with Partners and Fee Earners to keep CDD and risk assessments on client files up to date
• Assist with any other AML Compliance-related matters or projects as identified and assigned by the AML Compliance Manager

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required (2:1 or above preferred)
• Law degree / LPC preferred
• Strong understanding of AML/CTF requirements and financial crime risks associated with the range of services in the legal industry
• Relevant AML experience, preferably in an international law firm (min. 1 year)
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Experience with AML/KYC/Due Diligence processes and systems
• Experience with AML monitoring and screening
• Able to manage processes efficiently, with accuracy and attention to detail
• A recognized AML/Compliance qualification is desirable but not essential
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Strong decision-making capabilities
• Team player adaptable to a fast-paced and changing environment
• Good planning, time management, and prioritization skills
• Able to work independently and also to liaise with other departments
• Must have good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other Productivity Tools (Intapp knowledge is an advantage)