Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund

At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. Providing £27.8bn of capital and an expanded mandate, we are ready to help the market invest with confidence, continue to drive forward the Government's growth ambitions.

We are looking for skilled and results oriented individuals who are motivated to help us build the National Wealth Fund into an industry-leading institution.

Senior Manager - Financial Crime

Contract: This is 5 month contract

The primary purpose of the Risk & Compliance function at the National Wealth Fund (NWF) is to embed an effective risk management framework which enables the risks to the Fund’s objectives to be managed in an agile and effective way. The team fosters a risk-aware culture across the Fund and provide the necessary assurance that key risks are managed within the appetite set by the Board.

Role Purpose

This role is for a Senior Manager in the Risk & Compliance function. The role holder will play a pivotal role in enhancing and overseeing the Fund’s financial crime compliance framework. They will be responsible for the delivery of an effective and proactive second line financial crime strategy and framework, underpinned by processes and controls that ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, financial and operational requirements. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for the active management of financial crime risk in the existing portfolio and will undertake due diligence into the National Wealth Fund’s pipeline of new transactions.

Location: Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in the Leeds office.

Core Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Compliance by contributing to the development, implementation and embedding of the Compliance strategy, Compliance plan and associated policies to drive, promote and maintain a strong Compliance and Financial Crime culture within the business.
• Develop and maintain the NWF’s Financial Crime strategy and framework, identifying opportunities for improvement, and work with key stakeholders across the Fund to embed the framework to ensure appropriate levels of compliance.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify and mitigate financial crime risks.
• As a Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer (DMLRO) provide expert and strategic advice to the business, to enable it to operate in line with all relevant regulatory and legislative requirements in relation to Financial Crime.
• Undertake and ensure that the customer due diligence requirements for new and existing clients are robust to be in line with FCA requirements, Money Laundering Regulations, Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG) guidance and other regulations and remain fit for purpose.
• Monitor and review the effectiveness of financial crime controls, recommending improvements where necessary.
• Lead investigations into complex financial crime incidents and report findings to senior management.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders as required.
• Lead and/or participate in internal or external audits of the Risk and Compliance function, or the Fund as a whole, including inspections or enquiries from law enforcement agencies. Work closely with audit teams to provide necessary documentation and address any findings.
• Develop and deliver training and awareness programs on financial crime prevention to colleagues.
• Prepare and present regular reports on financial crime risks and compliance to NWF’s Executive Committees, Board and Board sub-committees
• Stay up-to-date with the latest regulatory developments and industry best practices. Monitor and review the effectiveness of financial crime controls, recommending improvements where necessary.
• Oversee and mentor your team, ensuring effective performance management and professional development.
• Work collaboratively within a high performing team to deliver the function’s strategic risk and compliance framework, liaising across the 3LOD to deliver integrated assurance.

Knowledge, Skill and Experience Requirements

Experience:

• Substantial experience of working within a financial crime function within a regulated financial services environment at a senior leadership level.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing a Financial Crime framework
• A legal background would be an advantage but not essential.
• Experience within investment banking and/or infrastructure finance is highly desirable
• Experience of working with government would be an advantage but not essential

Knowledge:

• Educated to degree level with a relevant professional qualification (e.g. ICA or CISI)
• Deep knowledge of the UK’s financial crime framework including the applicable laws, regulations and industry guidance including that relating to sanctions, fraud, UK Bribery Act, the Money Laundering Regulations and JMLSG guidance.

Skills:

• Ability to communicate with gravitas and credibility at all levels up to and including senior management
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present to various audiences including committees and senior management.
• Excellent communication, listening, and writing skills.
• Pragmatic and comfortable working with ambiguity.
• Strong attention to detail and well organised; ability to prioritize, multi-task and work well under pressure.
• Ability to think strategically and have vision while also focusing on the details and execution.
• Strong problem-solving techniques, including the ability to identify, research and resolve unfamiliar issues and ability to clearly communicate issues to key stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate across business lines and functions with a professional presence; proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong business relationships at all levels within the organisation.

A career with us offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on cutting-edge technologies that will drive the UK’s future. We value diversity in our people and inclusion is at the heart of what we do.

We offer competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience. Please note, referencing and background checks are carried out for all roles here at the National Wealth Fund.