Head of Business Acceptance

About us

Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely together with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results. By shaping the conversation in our sectors, we enable our clients to unlock growth, protect innovation and accelerate ambition. 

With 1250+ lawyers, 350+ partners, 26 offices and 16 jurisdictions we are looking to expand our Risk Management  team, with the addition of a Head of Business Acceptance.

Position summary

Reporting to the Director of Risk, the Head of Business Acceptance will have primary responsibility for Conflicts and AML within the U.K., Ireland and Dubai and will liaise with the U.S. business in relation to the resolution of Conflicts involving the listed jurisdictions.  Experience of ABA Conflicts rules and resolution will be a strong advantage for any candidate applying for the role. 

The Head of Business Acceptance will be responsible for a team of circa 25 analysts across AML and Conflicts and will be supported by a Business Acceptance Manager in the firm's Liverpool office who has day-to-day responsibility for the management of the team who are mainly based there.

Position responsibilities

• Overall day-to-day responsibility for Business Acceptance within the firm, including acting as a point of escalation where necessary for the Business Acceptance and the Senior Analysts.  Occasional visits to the Liverpool office are likely to be required.
• Acting as deputy MLRO and supporting the MLRO with a range of relevant issues, including dealing with internal suspicious activity reports and external SARs.  There is support within the team on financial crime from a Senior Financial Crime Analyst.
• Being a point of liaison for the U.S. Conflicts team on issues arising and supervising a team of London based analysts who are being recruited to assist with U.S. Conflicts issues.
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in relevant legislation, policies, procedures and practices.
• Acting as the firm's Anti-Bribery & Corruption Officer and monitoring the Gifts and Hospitality register, including providing advice to partners and fee earners on potential bribery and corruption matters.
• Acting as the firm's Sanctions Officer and advising partners and fee earners on potential sanctions issues.
• Supporting the MLRO and Director of Risk during regulatory audits and visits and ensuring audit points/findings are actioned.
• Supervising the Business Acceptance Manager in preparing documentation for the annual AML Risk Assessment and the annual Independent AML audit.
• Developing close relationships with other business services functions to facilitate co-operation and knowledge sharing and attending regular Heads of Business Services meetings to provide input into broad operational issues.
• Organising and presenting training on risk topics as necessary.

Experience, skills, and qualifications

• Able to demonstrate understanding of the risks faced by an international commercial law firm;
• Ability to manage the resolution of legal and commercial conflicts of interest with regards to the applicable regulatory requirements and taking account of the competing needs of the firm's partners and offices;  Experience of the U.S. ABA conflict of interest roles will be an advantage and will need to be learned by any candidate who does not have prior experience of them;
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and teams at all levels across the firm's U.K. and international practices;
• Understands the demands of fee earners and can provide commercial solutions under pressure;
• Able to manage a range of projects effectively to completion;
• Shares knowledge across the team, and provides ongoing instruction and support;
• Calm and professional in the face of competing demands;
• Leads by example;
• Approaches challenges logically, identifying issues in complex situations and communicating solutions effectively;
• Excellent time management and organisational skills;
• Actively promotes teamwork across the risk management team, promoting a team culture that encourages co-operation, support and knowledge sharing.