Head of Business Acceptance

AJ FOX COMPLIANCE; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

AJ FOX COMPLIANCE is seeking a Head of Business Acceptance to lead the international function from London. You will strengthen compliance management and advise senior stakeholders on complex AML and regulatory matters.

The role requires substantial senior leadership experience within a law firm or professional services and deep knowledge of UK AML legislation and SRA requirements. You will work with MLROs across the network to ensure robust controls and timely filings.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership or team management experience in business acceptance or AML/compliance.
• Strong knowledge of UK AML legislation and SRA requirements.
• Credible advisor to senior stakeholders on complex regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead the international Business Acceptance function across offices.
• Mentor and develop the team; act as escalation point for AML, sanctions, and regulatory queries.
• Collaborate with MLRO/MLCO and specialists to review policies, controls, risk assessments and trainings.

Job description

We are working with an ambitious international law firm to appoint a Head of Business Acceptance in London. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will lead the international Business Acceptance function, strengthen compliance management processes and advise senior stakeholders on complex business acceptance, anti-money laundering and regulatory matters.

The firm is seeking an experienced Business Acceptance professional with substantial senior-level or team leadership experience, ideally gained within an international law firm or comparable professional services organisation. You will bring detailed knowledge of UK anti-money laundering legislation and SRA requirements, sound judgement, commercial pragmatism and the credibility to influence partners and stakeholders globally.

The responsibilities will include:

• Leading, mentoring and developing the international Business Acceptance team, ensuring consistently high-quality support across all offices.
• Acting as an escalation point for complex conflicts, anti-money laundering, sanctions and regulatory queries, including advising on information barriers and insider lists.
• Working with the MLRO, MLCO and subject-matter specialists to review anti-money laundering policies, controls, risk assessments, audits, screening and training.
• Advising the business on obligations under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and relevant money laundering regulations.
• Working with Risk Partners and MLROs across the international network to reflect local regulatory requirements and complete annual anti-money laundering filings.
• Supporting the MLRO with the preparation and submission of Suspicious Activity Reports.
• Leading enhancements to the firm’s business intake systems and horizon-scanning for regulatory and process improvements.
• Overseeing global business acceptance training for new joiners and existing employees.
• Working with the COFA on third-party payment risks, the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and UK Mandatory Disclosure Rules.
• Contributing to the Risk Committee and collaborating with partners, fee earners and business services leaders on firm-wide compliance projects.

This is an influential international leadership opportunity for a confident, technically strong and commercially minded Business Acceptance professional.