Head of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Compliance (PCF-52)

Northern Trust; Ireland; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Ireland seeks a Head of Anti-Money Laundering Compliance. In this role, you will manage AML requirements, oversee investigations, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in AML laws, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to influence and build relationships at all organizational levels. This position offers a collaborative work culture focused on career development and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Proven fitness and probity for PCF‑52 requirements.
• Ability to maintain independence while working well with all levels.
• Strong communicator with clear reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop AML framework and policies compliant with regulations.
• Monitor suspicious activity and investigate unusual transactions.
• Act as primary contact for AML regulatory reviews.

Skills

Experience in AML laws and regulations

Analytical skills

Building relationships

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Job description

About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Role/ Department:

As the Pre-Approval Controlled Functions (“PCF”) Head of Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Compliance (PCF‑52), subject to Central Bank of Ireland (“CBI”) approval, the Head of AML will be responsible for managing the Anti‑Money Laundering (“AML”) requirements with respect to the Northern Trust Company Ireland Branch (“TNTC‑IB” – *subject to CBI authorisation*).

The role is designated as a Material Risk Taker (MRT).

Individual will be responsible for providing comprehensive and timely information on the branch’s Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Financial Sanctions risks, to enable the Branch Management Committee to understand the overall risk profile of the branch.

Reporting to the International Head of Financial Crime Compliance and working within the second line of defence, the MLRO has primary responsibility for ensuring a comprehensive AML and Economic Sanctions framework is in place for the firms through the provision of advice, assurance and assessment of controls.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

AML Framework:

• Develop a strong understanding of the branches operations, products/services, systems and associated risks/controls.
• Apply and maintain an AML/CTF risk assessment framework in line with regulator expectations and NT policies and standards.
• Be fully conversant in financial crime regulatory change and represent the organisation on, and participate in, industry working groups and forums.
• Develop, review and enhance AML policies and standards to ensure continued compliance with Irish and international requirements arising from multi‑jurisdictional activities.
• Provide technical expertise to senior management to manage their relevant regulatory and legal requirements. Interact directly with other key risk functions including Legal, Operations and Fraud teams.
• Work with Regional and Global AML compliance colleagues in other geographical locations to enable the development of global standards, knowledge transfer and best practice.
• Provide appropriate reporting at various governance approval committees and deliver annual AML Director Compliance training to members of the Branch Management Committee.
• Establish and maintain profile with the Branch Management Committee as a leading AML Subject Matter Expert (SME), promoting a culture of AML compliance and risk awareness.

AML Monitoring:

• Full oversight of unusual activity investigations and suspicious activity reporting, including the timely investigation and escalation of potential money laundering, terror financing, fraud or other criminal activities to relevant stakeholders.
• Develop a programme of oversight in relation to activities performed as part of the global AML shared services model, including creation and maintenance of Service Level Descriptions and KPIs.
• Develop and implement a risk‑based monitoring plan to provide assurance over the firms’ AML, CTF and Sanctions compliance framework.
• Review new business activities to ensure they are assessed for compliance and potential risks.
• Participate directly in projects ensuring Irish business and AML regulatory needs are being met and deputise for/represent the Head of Compliance at various forums where required.

Regulator Coordination:

• Investigate and submit suspicious transactions reports to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Revenue Commissioners.
• Act as the primary contact for all AML regulatory reviews and inspections conducted by regulators, including the Central Bank of Ireland.
• Culture: Working with the TNTC‑IB Management team, develop and maintain organisational culture, values, and reputation in the market and with all partners, clients, suppliers, counterparties, and regulatory bodies
• Set the tone from the top for TNTC‑IB through creating a culture where everyone has ownership and responsibility for doing the right thing in accordance with the Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Act 2023
• Act as a role model and demonstrate behaviours in a way that is aligned to the global conduct framework and enforces the values and ethical standards of the business.

Skills/Qualifications:

The successful candidate will benefit from having:

• Sufficient experience and seniority and proven fitness and probity to satisfy the requirements of a PCF‑52.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in applicable AML laws, regulations, and industry trends that impact their assigned line of business.
• Ability to maintain independence from management and front line while having the ability to work well with all levels of the organisation.
• An influencer who engenders trust and builds relationships at all levels whilst acting with integrity.
• Strong analytical skills and a clear thinker with the ability to analyse, communicate and report in a clear, concise and effective manner to all levels of management.
• Ability to identify issues and associated risks, and provide practical solutions to a wide range of issues.
• Ability to work efficiently, meet demanding deadlines and balance multiple tasks. A self‑starter who uses their own initiative to constantly develop.

Note: This role will be subject to the Senior Executive Accountability Regime (SEAR), which imposes a legal Duty of Responsibility on persons carrying out this Pre‑Approval Controlled Function (PCF) role.

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We’d love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world’s most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today.

Reasonable accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail].

We hope you’re excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.

Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.