Our client, a specialist bank based in the Docklands who serve SME's and Payment Service Providers are looking to recruit an MLRO to join their expanding London office. You will be responsible for monitoring Financial Crime including Anti-Money Laundering (AML). The MLRO is a senior executive and part of the second line of defence with the objective of providing independent oversight for Financial Crime topics within the Bank.

Main responsibilities will include;

• Maintain good relations with all members of the management team, the Board and the Board Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
• Provide reports on a regular basis, and as requested, to keep the senior management, Board of Directors and Risk & Compliance Committee (ARCC) informed of the operation and progress of Financial Crime and AML activities.
• Act as a member to the Bank's Compliance Committee.
• Advising on the financial crime aspects of new financial services/product developments.
• When necessary, participate in executive committee meetings to present financial crime findings as appropriate.
• Provide reports on a regular basis, and as requested, to keep the senior management and Board of Directors either directly or via ARCC informed of the operation and progress of financial crime controls.
• Prepare annual AML/CFT and financial crime risk assessment, relevant to the operating environment (UK and international) for presenting to the Board of Directors
• Prepare annual Financial Crime Plan and reports on AML Compliance to the Board of Directors, to be submitted via the Board's Audit Risk and Compliance Committee.
• Maintain all financial crime registers including, all staff training in AML / CFT
• Induct new directors into the business in all financial crime related topics.
• Act as an additional enquiring voice in relation to financial crime and anti-money laundering topics.
• Perform any other task as directed by the CR&CO, ExCo, ARCC or Board.
• Develop, initiate and maintain revised policies and procedures in accordance with the financial crime risk framework ensuring adequate controls are continuously in place.
• Advise senior management of any likely implications of changes to internal policies
• Identify potential areas of vulnerability and risk and develop/implement corrective action plans for resolution of problematic issues and provide general guidance on how to avoid or deal with similar situations in the future.
• Play an integral role in AML/KYC (Knowing Your Customer)- collecting and checking relevance/completeness of KYC information for AML purposes, supplied by front office; providing guidance to the business on KYC requirements; categorizing clients and verifying the relevance of descriptive attributes; preparing and issuing auxiliary documentation; and carrying out due diligence checks and reputation checks.
• Ensure appropriate arrangements for assessing and responding to AML risk associated with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and other high-risk relationships
• Play an integral role in defining transaction monitoring methodologies and intelligence gathering, implementing appropriate controls to avoid facilitation of Financial Crime/AML transactions

To be considered for this position, ideal candidates must have the following experience/skills;

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in financial crime, as MLRO or financial crime advisory in related areas in the financial services industry
• Ideally an AML Diploma or equivalent experience
• In depth knowledge of banking and foreign exchange industry
• In depth knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, AML/Financial Crime and risk management principles both in the UK and EEA with an awareness of extra-territoriality issues in other jurisdictions as necessary
• Strong writing and verbal skills
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office
• High attention to detail
• Strict work ethics
• Excellent research, problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Strong and persuasive inter-personal skills