Head of Business Acceptance

THE COMPANY:

We have been instructed by an international law firm in their search for a Head of Business Acceptance.  The purpose of the role is to lead and manage the Business Acceptance team and related functions, in addition to playing a substantive role in leading and developing the Firm’s compliance management processes.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the Business Acceptance team to ensure a high level of professional expertise and service is provided to all internal clients in all offices. Manage, mentor, support and develop team members.
• Act as a point of escalation on complex regulatory conflict of interest queries and assist the Firm’s Conflicts Committee in resolving commercial conflict queries. Advise on the implementation of information barriers, including the creation of insider lists in accordance with Market Abuse Regulation guidelines.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of current AML related guidance, consultations and best practice, including that issued by the SRA, the Law Society, the Financial Action Task Force and updates in relevant jurisdictions.
• Work with subject matter specialists, the MLRO, and the MLCO in relation to (i) ongoing reviews of the Firm’s AML policies, controls and procedures (including, but not limited to, annual reviews of the AML Policy and Practice Wide Risk Assessment), and (ii) ensuring that the Firm’s AML policies, controls and processes are independently audited on a regular basis and that all relevant staff are appropriately screened and trained in respect of their obligations.
• Understand and proactively advise the business, alongside subject experts as appropriate in relation to obligations under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) alongside the ML regulations.
• Liaise closely with Risk Partners and Money Laundering Reporting Officers across the network to ensure that local regulations are appropriately reflected in the Firm’s policies, controls and processes and to ensure that annual AML filings are undertaken
• Work with the Money Laundering Reporting Officer on drafting and submitting Suspicious Activities Reports.
• Lead the development and implementation of upgrades relating to the Firm’s business intake software (Intapp Open and Intapp Walls). Proactively consider the impact of potential legal and regulatory changes and advancements to ensure that the Firm is able effectively to respond to such changes. This will inevitably involve “horizon scanning” for process improvement opportunities.
• Work alongside subject matter specialists (both fee earners and colleagues in the Legal and Regulatory Risk and Business Acceptance teams) to ensure compliance with applicable sanctions legislation when considering conflicts and AML issues.
• Oversee the business acceptance global training programme, which covers both new joiner training and ongoing periodic training to all people in the business. This is delivered both online (via training modules from external vendors) and in-person.
• Work closely with the Firm’s COFA to ensure the effective management of third-party payment risks and compliance with finance-related legislation, including the Solicitors Accounts Rules and the UK Mandatory Disclosure Rules.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Proven extensive experience in Business Acceptance is essential, either leading a team or at a senior level. Prior experience in an international law firm or other similar professional services businesses is highly desirable.
• A legal qualification or established experience of working in commercial law are preferable but not essential. Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Detailed knowledge of the current requirements of UK AML legislation and the SRA Standards and Regulations is essential; experience of working with similar regulatory requirements in other jurisdictions is highly desirable, including practical application of those requirements.
• A problem solver who is able to assess complex, and sometimes competing, objectives with a view to achieving a resolution that is centred on what is in the best interests of the Firm as a whole.

For further information please contact Caitlynn Fourie