Associate - Financial Crime - #1786282

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.

Job Purpose

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.

This role is for a Financial Crime Associate in the Risk & Compliance function, reporting to the Financial Crime Manager. The role holder will support the enhancement and oversight of the Fund’s financial crime compliance framework. They will assist in 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. Additionally, the successful candidate will support the active management of financial crime risk in the existing portfolio and will undertake 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.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the Compliance team in embedding the wider Compliance strategy, Compliance plan, and associated policies to drive, promote, and maintain a strong Compliance and Financial Crime culture within the business.
• Assist in developing and maintaining the NWF’s Financial Crime strategy and framework, identifying opportunities for improvement, and working with key stakeholders across the Fund to embed the framework to ensure appropriate levels of compliance.
• Conduct 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 regulations, and remain fit for purpose.
• Provide 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.
• Assist in investigations into financial crime incidents, including drafting of reports 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.
• Assist in developing and monitoring the completion of training and awareness programs on financial crime prevention to colleagues.
• Prepare and present regular reports on financial crime risks and compliance to colleagues and NWF’s governance committees.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest regulatory developments and industry best practices.
• 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.
  
  

Key Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience working in a financial crime function, preferably within a regulated financial services environment.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments and investigations related to financial crime.
• Experience within investment banking and/or infrastructure finance is desirable.
• Experience of public sector regulation or working with government would be an advantage but not essential.
  
  

Knowledge

• Educated to degree level.
• Sound understanding of UK financial crime regulations, including applicable laws, regulations, and industry guidance (e.g., Sanctions, Fraud, UK Bribery Act, Money Laundering Regulations, JMLSG guidance, Modern Slavery Act).
• Professional financial crime-related qualifications (e.g. 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.
• 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.