Head of Onboarding

Desired work region:West Midlands
Sector:AML, Financial Crime & Sanctions
Ref:6359
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About Profile

This highly experienced legal risk and compliance professional brings over two decades of expertise in regulatory affairs, compliance operations, and client onboarding across both regulatory bodies and leading UK law firms. With a track record of developing and embedding strategic compliance frameworks, this individual has consistently delivered operational and regulatory improvements to support firm-wide risk controls.

Currently heading a substantial department at a top 50 UK law firm, this candidate leads a large multi-functional team and acts as a senior escalation point for high-risk matters. Their work spans conflicts of interest, anti-money laundering checks, complaints management, and the implementation of strategic policies to meet evolving regulatory expectations. Collaborating with senior stakeholders, including the COLP, MLRO, MLCO, General Counsel, and Legal Service Directors, they play a pivotal role in optimising compliant client onboarding processes.

Key Competencies:
  • Strategic development and leadership of client onboarding and regulatory compliance functions
  • Design and implementation of anti-money laundering, conflict, and client risk policies
  • Proven experience advising senior stakeholders and regulators on complex risk issues
  • Introduction of regulatory tech tools to enhance compliance monitoring and operational efficiency
  • Skilled in regulatory change management and horizon scanning for legal risks
  • Extensive experience in leading regulatory investigations and managing SRA engagements
  • Track record of improving complaints handling frameworks and aligning with LeO requirements
  • Leadership of cross-functional teams through regulatory transformation and training initiatives
  • Strong understanding of SRA rules, AML regulations, and broader legal sector compliance landscape
Legal Experience:

Head Onboarding | Top 50 UK Law Firm | 2 years
Legal and Regulatory Change Manager | Top 50 UK Law Firm | 3.5 years
Conduct and Regulatory Manager | Top 50 UK Law Firm | 1.5 years
Team Manager | Legal Regulator | 8 years
Regulatory Supervisor | Legal Regulator | 8 years
Casework Coach | Legal Complaints Body | 8 years
Senior Caseworker | Legal Complaints Body | 8 years
Caseworker | Legal Complaints Body | 8 years

Education & Qualifications:

Diploma in Legal Practice | Law School
BA (Hons) Law | University

If you’re looking for top-tier legal risk and compliance professionals like this one, get in touch with our team today.

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