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.

Manager - Financial Crime

Contract: This is a five 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 Financial Crime Manager in the Risk & Compliance function, reporting to a Senior Financial Crime Manager. The role holder will be responsible for the enhancement and oversight of the Fund’s financial crime compliance framework. They will deliver 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. Additionally, the successful candidate will be responsible for the active management of financial crime risk in the existing portfolio and will undertake and oversee due diligence into the NWF’s pipeline of new transactions.

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

Core Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Compliance Manager in delivering the Compliance strategy, compliance monitoring plan, and associated policies to drive, promote, and maintain a strong Compliance and Financial Crime culture within the business.

• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining the NWF’s Financial Crime strategy and framework, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, and working with key stakeholders across the Fund to embed the framework to ensure appropriate levels of compliance.
• Conduct comprehensive financial crime risk assessments and provide oversight and quality control of client risk assessments to identify and mitigate financial crime risks.
• Undertake and ensure that the customer due diligence requirements for new and existing clients are robust and in line with FCA requirements, Money Laundering Regulations, Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG) guidance, and other relevant financial crime regulations, and remain fit for purpose.
• Provide expert advice and support to the first line of defence on financial crime matters to enable NWF to operate in line with all relevant regulatory and legislative requirements in relation to Financial Crime.
• Monitor and review the effectiveness of financial crime controls, recommending improvements where necessary.
• Undertake and / or assist in investigations into financial crime incidents and report findings to senior management.

• 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 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. Perform horizon scanning – reviewing updates and determining which are relevant to NWF.
• Oversee and mentor your direct report(s), if any, 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.
• Support senior management with interactions with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders as required.

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Knowledge, Skill and Experience Requirements

Experience:

• Significant experience working in a financial crime function, preferably within a regulated financial services environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing financial crime frameworks.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments and investigations related to financial crime.
• Experience in managing teams and delivering to deadlines.
• Experience within investment banking and/or infrastructure finance is desirable.
• Experience of public sector regulation or working within government would be an advantage but not essential.
  • A legal background would be an advantage but not essential.

Knowledge:

• Educated to degree level.
• Strong knowledge of the UK’s financial crime framework, including applicable laws, regulations, and industry guidance (e.g., sanctions, fraud, UK Bribery Act, Money Laundering Regulations, JMLSG guidance).
• Professional financial crime-related qualifications (eg ICA or CISI) are advantageous.

Skills:

• Strong communication, listening, and writing skills.
• Ability to present to various audiences, including committees and senior management.
• 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 while also focusing on details and execution.
• Strong problem-solving techniques, including the ability to identify, research, and resolve unfamiliar issues.
• 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.