Role overview
The team
As an AML Analyst based in RPC's Bristol office, you will be part of a central team which reports into the AML Manager, conducting client due diligence ("CDD") checks on our clients and matters in line with our anti-money laundering ("AML) and combating the financing of terrorism ("CFT") obligations. The central team services all RPC offices, which are based in London, Bristol, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The role
You will work closely with our lawyers to gather information and documents, and conduct your own research, to write high-quality client and matter CDD risk assessments for a diverse range of corporate entities and individuals. In addition, you will be in regular contact with our Risk team and Money Laundering Reporting Officers, who you will support by making necessary referrals and escalations for their consideration, where needed.
At RPC, training and development is important. This role offers the opportunity to develop your existing knowledge of AML and CDD by supporting the AML Analysts in the day-to-day operations of the CDD Team. You will receive bespoke training to support you in the role, and there is a comprehensive CDD procedure, templates, and guidance for you to follow. You will also have access to a broad curriculum of firm wide training events. The team and firm growth ambitions also provide opportunities for progression in the future.
CDD is an important aspect of legal practice, however for those with ambitions to qualify in the near future, it is important to note that this role does not offer qualifying work experience ("QWE") for those seeking QWE to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE route. It does, however, provide work experience in a legal office environment to develop many valuable skills including research, drafting, and managing your own workload. For those with ambitions to have a career in Risk, it is increasingly possible to have a rewarding career without qualifying as a solicitor.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Carrying out CDD checks on clients and matters in line with the AML/CTF regulations, and drafting the corresponding risk assessments for Partner review and approval.
- Where required, escalating higher-risk clients and matters to Risk and/or the relevant MLRO for their review and approval, making recommendations as to any next steps and supporting with any further research requested by those persons.
- Liaising with our lawyers to identify and verify information about our clients and matters to support our risk assessments.
- Effective use of public sources and other available databases to research and document information that is relevant to our clients and matters.
- Managing your own workload and following up where needed with our fee earners to ensure CDD is progressing on work assigned to you.
- Management of the centralised team inbox, which includes ensuring that any general CDD queries are addressed, and that the work is fairly distributed amongst the team depending on capacity.
- General client and matter onboarding administration (e.g., saving documentation in iManage, and approving clients where CDD is complete in Aderant).
AML Analysts are expected to contribute towards the development of the team by:
- Delivering high quality and timely output to internal clients, ensuring high levels of client service and alignment with agreed working practices.
- Working to develop an environment of constant improvement: enthusiastically sharing with and helping others; and taking responsibility for aspects of team development, such as intranet pages, training, process improvement etc.
- Capturing and collating required AML records and other MI in accordance with agreed practice for reporting, SLAs, performance management, and other purposes.
- Contributing to the development and improvement of the team's service, support, processes, and procedures.
- Demonstrating the values and behaviours that build up the team and keep it client focused.
Knowledge, skills and experience
- Demonstrates a growth mindset and is committed to lifelong learning to build knowledge and expertise.
- Delivers internal and external client experience that exceeds expectations.
- Demonstrates an organised approach to their work. Plans, prioritises and uses technology to work efficiently.
- Works commercially to achieve the objectives of the team/firm.
- Collaborative and works effectively in a team.
- Develops strong working relationships.
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of the need for efficient working.
- Committed to being part of a supportive, inclusive and collaborative firm culture.
