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Officer, Risk Assessment & Business Protection

Employer
Ashurst
Location
Glasgow, Glasgow City
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
17 Jul 2024
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Job Details

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com.

Department/Role overview

Working as part of the Risk Assessment & Business Protection Team to discharge the legal obligation of the firm's lawyers (in all 31 offices in which we operate) to carry out financial crime and sanctions risk assessments on their clients and matters. Protecting the firm's lawyers from sanctions and penalties from crime enforcement agencies and regulators for failure to meet this obligation to a sufficient standard.

Ensuring the firm as a whole meets its anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing ("AML/CTF") obligations (and other associated requirements) worldwide.

Ensuring the firm meets its international regulatory requirements for identifying sanction concerns, politically exposed persons (PEPs) and client related negative press within their existing client base.

Ensuring the firm is protected from a reputational standpoint.

Ensuring regulatory compliance, operational resiliency and adherence to client engagement terms in all aspects of the firm's global procurement processes and supply chain management.

Main responsibilities

Business as usual:

  • Research relevant information sources and international databases to compile the documentation needed to verify the identity of clients of the firm (and other relevant entities) by reference to the applicable jurisdictional legislation / regulation
  • Analyse sufficiency of identity documentation in the context of global firm policy, local anti-money laundering laws and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate
  • Accurately record relevant client and matter information in the firm's Risk Assessment Database
  • Compose extensive written risk assessment, including technical analysis of money laundering, bribery, reputational and sanctions risks with reference to sectoral and jurisdictional risks and FATF identified risk typologies.
  • Liaise with partners, fee earners and external clients, providing them with a comprehensive explanation of the relevant policy as well as local laws and regulations to support requests for client identification documentation that is not publicly available
  • Compose detailed escalations to MLRO and Head of Financial Crime (where appropriate), containing relevant risk information and in-depth legal analysis around whether the client/work fits within the firm's risk appetite or any potential obligation to report to crime authorities that may arise.
  • Ensure the firm is adhering to its on-going monitoring obligations by periodically updating the documents and information we hold on our clients and composing updated technical written analysis. Escalating any new risk information to MLRO or Head of Financial Crime as appropriate.
  • Deal with a variety of time sensitive queries from the business and find a resolution to these queries that comply with firm policy as well as local AML regulations in the 19 jurisdictions in which we have offices. Provide comprehensive legal explanations on these to the partner or fee earner.
  • Provide the relevant matter team with detailed advice on the client or matter risk level, the nature of any risks identified, as well as conditions for 'clearance' from a risk perspective for every new client and matter.
  • Liaise with mentors/Manager for guidance as required
  • Ensure all global suppliers of the firm are consolidated in our TPRM platform
  • Ensure supplier criticality, risk level, data access level and information security systems are analysed, recorded and any required remediation completed.

Project work:

  • Work with team members on various live projects, as required.

Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

  • Degree qualified in Law, Risk Management, Business, Politics, Economics or related discipline
  • Strong English language skills
  • Strong organisational and research skills, attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure
  • Ability to read, analyse and understand global firm policy as well as laws and regulations in the 19 different jurisdictions in which we operate.
  • Ability to work efficiently, to prioritise and to meet deadlines
  • Ability to demonstrate good judgement and an inquisitive mind
  • Good team spirit and resilience: assist others, when necessary, with the resolution of contentious issues in a diplomatic manner
  • Flexible, versatile and able to adapt to new situations, processes and technology
  • Keen interest in learning about the firm-wide legal practices, and its clients
  • Strong analytical ability with particular interest in law and legislation.
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Good PC skills and experience working with Microsoft Word and Excel

Desirable skills and experience:

  • Experience in Risk and Compliance in the professional services sector
  • Knowledge of AML/CTF obligations

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

Company

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit  www.ashurst.com

Company info
Telephone
+44 20 7638 1111
Location
London Fruit & Wool Exchange
1 Duval Square
London
E1 6PW
GB

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