Principal Consultant (MS), Anti-Money Laundering

Trellis Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading governance and compliance consultancy is seeking a Principal Consultant (MS) specializing in Anti-Money Laundering to lead managed services projects. The role involves supervising teams, managing client onboarding, and ensuring compliance with global AML regulations. Ideal candidates will have at least 7 years of experience in financial crime compliance, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in AML tools. This position offers a competitive compensation package and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Annual discretionary bonus

Private medical insurance

Corporate gym membership

Up to 26 days of annual holiday

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in AML/KYC, financial crime compliance, or related fields.
• Proven experience with high-risk clients, funds, trusts, and complex ownership structures.
• Knowledge of global AML regulations preferred.
• Hands-on experience with offshore jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg.

Responsibilities

• Lead managed services projects and facilitate client relationships.
• Oversee onboarding of new clients and manage complex client expectations.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews and ensure compliance with AML regulations.

Skills

Demonstrated professional integrity

Strong organizational skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Strong oral and written communication skills

Education

Major in compliance, criminal justice, law, business, accounting, finance, or economics

Tools

WorldCheck

LexisNexis

Job description

Principal Consultant (MS), Anti-Money Laundering

Date: Oct 8, 2025

Location: London, GB

Company: ACA Group

The Opportunity:

The individual in this position serves as the supervisor, relationship manager, account owner, or engagement lead for certain ACA managed services clients. Principal Consultants have supervisory, training, and/or subject matter expertise responsibilities in addition to their expertise and support on managed services engagements. Principal Consultants are expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding AML regulations, best practices, and nuances associated with the products and services they engage in.

What you’ll do:

• Facilitate, lead, and/or participate in managed services projects with other supervisors, relationship managers, account owners, and project leads
• Demonstrate deep expertise in KYC onboarding, CDD/EDD, and financial crime compliance, particularly with exposure to offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg.
• Manage more complex and/or difficult client relationships with respect to managed services projects and services, as well as engage with other ACA account owners and relationship managers to ensure excellent client service
• Oversee client relationships, including onboarding new clients, setting scope and workflow expectations, communicating findings, tracking budgets, reviewing invoices, answering questions, and ensuring client expectations and contractual obligations are met
• Conduct reviews of clients' books and records, deliverables, and other documents
• Supervise, coach, and mentor junior consultants and analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• Act as a subject matter expert on KYC onboarding, CDD/EDD, sanctions screening, and complex entity structures.
• Provide strategic guidance on AML regulatory requirements and best practices, including those relevant to the Cayman Islands, Luxembourg, and other offshore jurisdictions.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews and provide sign-off on high‑risk or complex cases.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement department‑wide initiatives, including training programs, process improvements, and regulatory updates.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, risk forums, and regulatory discussions as needed.
• Stay current with evolving AML regulations and industry trends to ensure compliance and innovation.

To Qualify for the role, you will have:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in AML/KYC, financial crime compliance, or related fields.
• Proven experience in investor onboarding, including high‑risk clients, funds, trusts, and complex ownership structures.
• Knowledge of global AML regulations (FATF, EU AMLD, FCA, POCA, etc.) preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg preferred.
• Proficiency with AML tools such as WorldCheck, LexisNexis, or equivalent.

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• Major or concentration in compliance, criminal justice, law, business, accounting, finance, and/or economics preferred.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• Demonstrated professional integrity
• Dependable, flexible, and adaptable to new ACA initiatives and changing client needs
• Ability to exercise discretion and make independent judgments on matters of significance
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, small team environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and clients
• Highly motivated and goal‑oriented; pro‑active in one’s own education and career progression; volunteers for and shows initiative on both internal and external projects and tasks
• Dedicated to upholding ACA’s high‑quality standards and customer service focus
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and comfortable working in a tech‑enabled environment.

What working at ACA offers:

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. Our Total Rewards package includes an annual discretionary bonus, pension, private medical insurance, group life insurance, group income protection, subsidized corporate gym membership, season ticket loan, employee assistance programme, and more. Our time off options include up to 26 days of annual holiday allowance and statutory bank holidays, as well as days off for your work anniversary, career development, and volunteering.

About ACA:

ACA Group is the leading governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) advisor in financial services. We empower our clients to reimagine GRC and protect and grow their business. Our innovative approach integrates consulting, managed services, and our ComplianceAlpha technology platform with the specialized expertise of former regulators and practitioners and our deep understanding of the global regulatory landscape.

What we commit to:

ACA is firmly committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, which applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotions, training, discipline, terminations, layoffs, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation and all other terms and conditions of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.