AML & Periodic Review Manager - Banking Organisation

West End based bank is seeking well experiernced proven people manager to lead the AML Remediation and Periodic Review function within the banks AML division. This role ensures efficient and accurate administration of Financial Crime data as part of the first line of defense, while driving quality standards, compliance, and effective team performance. A proven track record of team management is essential, as the role involves strategic leadership, mentorship, and accountability for high-level reporting.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Management:
  • Oversee, coach, and support AML Analysts in their daily duties, ensuring all members adhere to best practices in financial crime and compliance administration.
  • Act as the primary point of escalation for the team, providing guidance and leadership in complex cases, and implementing performance metrics to support continuous improvement.

• Financial Crime Data Administration:
  • Manage the timely delivery of Financial Crime data and ensure all first-line defense measures are met. Lead the team in understanding, preparing, and analysing World Check, Adverse Media, and Risk Rating reports to meet regulatory requirements and identify potential Anti-Money Laundering (AML) issues.

• Risk Event Management:
  • Directly support AML Analyst's in handling trigger events on dormant or un-remediated accounts. Review team findings, manage further investigation needs, and maintain a proactive approach to risk identification and resolution.

• Periodic Monitoring and Review Oversight:
  • Ensure the team accurately captures and completes all periodic reviews according to risk levels—High (annual), Medium (every three years), and Low (every five years). Conduct regular check-ins to monitor progress, address bottlenecks, and ensure compliance deadlines are met.

• Review Process Management:
  • Oversee periodic reviews and ensure AML Analysts have the necessary resources to review transactions accurately. Review and validate each AML officer’s work, confirming the account purpose has remained consistent and that all account points are adequately signed off.

• Workload Management and Escalation:
  • Set and manage priorities for the team, ensuring the timely completion of all critical tasks. Lead by example in identifying, escalating, and mitigating key risks and issues, liaising with senior management and relevant departments as needed.

• Customer Data and Compliance:
  • Ensure the team updates Private Banking files accurately in response to new information and that changes are reflected on internal systems (Equation or AML Partners). Support ongoing accuracy in customer risk status across systems.

• Transaction Alert Review:
  • Oversee team efforts to clear flagged customer transaction alerts, coordinating with the AML Transaction Monitoring team and providing guidance on information gathering to expedite alert resolution.

• Reporting and Statistical Analysis:
  • Manage the preparation of monthly statistics on completed work and outstanding periodic reviews. Provide timely and accurate reporting for senior management, identifying trends and areas for improvement.

• Cross-Departmental Training:
  • Facilitate opportunities for team members to gain knowledge of other departments to enhance their skills and improve inter-departmental collaboration.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (minimum UK 2:1 or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a team management role within banking, with a focus on Financial Crime and Periodic Reviews for Private and Corporate clients (low, medium and high risk)
• Extensive knowledge of AML regulations, CDD, and EDD guidelines, including FCA’s PEP Guidance.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting accuracy.
• Experience with customer screening and compliance applications, such as Thomson Reuters World-Check.

Essential Competencies

• Leadership: Proven ability to manage, motivate, and develop a team of AML Analyst's
• Strategic Vision: Ability to implement and maintain robust systems, controls, and processes with a risk-based approach.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective networks internally and externally.
• Detail Orientation: High attention to detail to ensure data accuracy in reporting and compliance documentation.
• Adaptability and Innovation: Creative approach to problem-solving, with a capacity to adapt to changing regulatory demands.

Key Success Factors

• Demonstrated ability to take a strategic view and drive consistent, high-quality output.
• Capability to build and sustain effective relationships with team members, relationship officers, and key stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute positively to a small, close team environment, encouraging teamwork and collaboration across the division.