AML Advisor

Reed Smith LLP.; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Smith LLP. is seeking an AML Advisor to join the hybrid AML team. The role involves managing client due diligence, overseeing enhanced due diligence for high‑risk matters, and escalating issues to senior managers across EMEA.

You will work with MLROs, risk and legal teams to ensure robust compliance with AML regulations. The successful candidate will stay current with AML and financial crime laws in the region, contribute to AML policy updates, and support audits and training within the

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification required (2:1 or equivalent).
• Law degree / Graduate Diploma in Law (or equivalent qualification from a common law jurisdiction) preferred.
• Substantial experience in business intake or compliance within an international law firm is essential.
• Strong understanding of AML and wider financial crime laws applicable in EMEA.
• Understanding of data protection laws and principles applicable in EMEA.

Responsibilities

• Independently completing client due diligence (CDD) for new and existing clients across EMEA offices.
• Providing oversight of enhanced due diligence for high‑risk clients and recommending actions.
• Escalation of legal and reputational issues on AML and financial crime compliance to senior management.
• Conducting analysis on sanctions notifications from UN, EU, UK and US.
• Acting as a subject matter expert in AML and financial crime laws across EMEA.

Skills

AML knowledge

CDD

Regulatory change tracking

Training

Team collaboration

Education

Law degree or equivalent

Degree level qualification

Job description

Description

We are recruiting for an AML Advisor to join our AML team on a hybrid working basis. The successful candidate will have a wide and varied role in the AML team and will play a key role in assisting with the management and development of AML processes within Reed Smith. The successful candidate will report to our Senior AML Manager and work closely with our local Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs), the internal legal and risk team and key compliance personnel across the Reed Smith business.

Responsibilities

• Independently completing client due diligence (CDD) for new and existing clients of our EMEA offices
• Providing oversight of enhanced due diligence reviews for high-risk clients/matters and recommending appropriate actions in respect of these clients and matters
• Escalation of legal and reputational issues on AML, sanctions and financial crime compliance to the Senior AML Manager, local MLROs and Senior Management, as required
• Conducting analysis on relevant sanctions notifications including from the UN, EU, UK and US
• Acting as a subject matter expert in AML and financial crime laws that apply to Reed Smith office locations across EMEA
• Assisting the Senior AML Manager and local MLROs with AML and financial crime reporting, including suspicious activity and sanctions reporting to regulatory bodies
• Assisting the Senior AML Manager and local MLROs with the review and update of key AML policies, procedures, checklists and key AML documents for EMEA
• Supporting the Senior AML Manager and local MLROs with internal and external audit requests
• Providing guidance, supervision and assistance with training of new and junior AML Paralegals within the AML team
• Keeping up to date with regulatory changes in respect of AML and financial crime laws that apply across EMEA
• Assisting the Senior AML Manager and internal legal and risk team with ad hoc AML and wider compliance projects, when required

Actively promote an ethical, inclusive and diverse working environment

Key skills, attributes and experience

• Degree level qualification required (2:1 or equivalent)
• Law degree / Graduate Diploma in Law (or equivalent qualification from a common law jurisdiction) preferred
• Substantial experience working in the business intake, or compliance function in an international law firm is essential
• Strong understanding of AML and wider financial crime laws applicable in EMEA
• Understanding of data protection laws and principles applicable in EMEA