AML Onboarding Team Lead (Legal)

SUMMARY:
AML Onboarding Team Lead (Legal)

POSITION INFO:

Main purpose of the role:

• Generally, to assist the Firm with discharging its obligations under the Financial Intelligence
• Centre Act (FIC Act), as well as other applicable laws.
• To ensure that onboarding activities are conducted in line with the Firm’s RMCP, the FIC Act and corresponding guidance notes and PCCs.
• To oversee the day-to-day operations of the onboarding team and support the implementation of onboarding initiatives and projects across the Firm.
• To provide guidance, technical support and oversight to onboarding officers and act as a point of escalation for complex onboarding matters.

Experience and duties:

• Supervise and coordinate the onboarding team’s daily activities, ensuring that onboarding processes and reviews are completed in line with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews and provide second-level oversight in respect of onboarding requirements for new clients and client reviews, ensuring that supporting documentation and administrative processes are completed accurately.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of CDD, EDD, ODD and beneficial ownership requirements, including the remediation of client population where deficiencies are identified.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, guidance notes and PCCs issued by the Financial

Intelligence Centre.

• Utilise AML onboarding systems to review and assess sanctions, PEP and adverse media alerts, and distinguish between false positives and actual matches.
• Identify and assess onboarding-related risks and escalate complex or high-risk matters to management where necessary.
• Monitor the effectiveness of existing onboarding controls and assist with the remediation of identified deficiencies.
• Assist with the development, maintenance and / or enhancement of onboarding process documentation.
• Support the development and delivery of onboarding training and guidance to team members, including participation in internal training initiatives.
• Assist in maintaining onboarding risk registers and provide input for periodic reports or updates to the Risk and Compliance Committee.
• Support the implementation of AML onboarding initiatives and system enhancements, including participation in user acceptance testing (UAT) and process improvements.
• Conduct research on emerging AML risks and regulatory developments to ensure the onboarding team remains aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Manage a portfolio of onboarding matters while ensuring service delivery standards and turnaround times are met; and
• Attend to ad hoc duties as assigned from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience:

• LLB Degree or
• A BCOM, BCOM Law degree or Risk Qualification with at least 3 – 5 years'' experience in an AML / FICA compliance environment or in any compliance risk management environment; or
• Candidates who do not have the abovementioned qualifications but who possess the relevant skills and experience listed below may also be considered
• 3 – 5 years'' experience in an AML / FICA compliance environment or in any compliance risk management environment;
• Prior team coordination, supervisory or senior analyst experience will be advantageous.

Additional qualifications are advantageous:

• Anti-money laundering certificates or ACAMS qualification.
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Compliance or Certificate in Compliance.
• Risk management certificate.

Personal attributes

• Good presentation and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good time management and problem-solving skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet regulatory deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while also supporting team performance; and
• Ability to mentor and guide team members and effectively transfer knowledge and skills.