Location - Leeds or Birmingham

About the team
Working in the firm's internal client and matter inception (CMI) escalations team and reporting to the Head of AML Compliance, this is a key role to ensure the firm's ongoing compliance with UK AML laws and guidance, triaging and investigating AML alerts within the client onboarding process.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analysis of client and transaction information, identify red flags, and document clear, evidence-based conclusions in line with internal policies and regulatory expectations.
• Review and investigate flagged alerts from the external CMI team relating to conflicts of interest, client identity and verification, PEPs, UK and international sanctions, adverse media, and source of funds/source of wealth.
• Escalate higher-risk matters and potential suspicious activity to Head of AML Compliance and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., MLRO) in a timely manner, supporting Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) considerations where appropriate.
• Manage AML due diligence processes for new and existing clients, including ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews, particularly within legal or professional services contexts.
• Maintain accurate files and audit-ready records, ensuring rationale and supporting evidence are captured appropriately.
• Assist delivery of continuous improvement of client onboarding and AML processes and controls by identifying recurring issues, suggesting enhancements, and feeding back themes from investigations.
• Stay up to date with changes to AML laws, regulations, guidance, and typologies, and help translate updates into practical operational requirements.

Your skills and qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of UK AML requirements and the UK sanctions regime.
• Experience in client onboarding (including conflicts of interest) and AML compliance within a legal or professional services environment (or comparable regulated setting), at an analyst/associate level.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret information from multiple sources, identify inconsistencies, and make sound risk-based decisions.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to document findings clearly and explain risk issues to varied stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage a caseload, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines and service levels.
• Comfortable working with case management systems, screening tools, and open-source research, while applying data protection and confidentiality requirements.

No Recruitment Agents Please!

Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths.

Become part of the team at Freeths.

View some of our recent highlights on our website here

Do we sound like a match? If you're someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we'd love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.