Senior Financial Crime Consultant (AML & Controls Lead) - Contract
City of London (Hybrid, 2 days in the office)
Initially 6 months (with potential for extension) £500-650 per day

Overview
A leading financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Senior Financial Crime Consultant to lead AML and broader financial crime controls within a first line risk environment. This is a high-impact contract role supporting a complex and evolving business, with significant exposure to senior stakeholders and regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities
Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of AML and Financial Crime control frameworks across the customer lifecycle
Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for AML, providing guidance on emerging risks, typologies, and regulatory expectations
Oversee risk management activities spanning AML, Sanctions, Fraud, Anti-Bribery & Corruption, and Tax Transparency
Drive and enhance the Financial Crime Risk Management Framework, including risk and control assessments (RCAs)
Provide risk input into client onboarding, product development, and strategic initiatives
Monitor control effectiveness through KPIs, KRIs, and management information, leading remediation activities where required
Support enterprise-wide risk assessments, ensuring comprehensive coverage of inherent and residual risks
Partner with internal teams and second-line functions on complex financial crime matters and policy interpretation
Lead and develop a team of financial crime specialists, fostering a strong risk and compliance culture
Support regulatory interactions, audits, and internal reviews, translating requirements into practical controls
Produce high-quality reporting and insights for senior governance forums.

Key Requirements
Extensive experience in Due Diligence for Financial Crime Risk / AML within banking, fintech, or financial services
Strong understanding of AML frameworks, including CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening
Proven track record in designing and embedding control frameworks within a first line or advisory function
Experience operating across complex organisations and multiple product lines
Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and governance committees
Strong leadership experience managing and developing specialist teams
In-depth knowledge of UK regulatory expectations (e.g. FCA / PRA)
Professional certifications such as ACAMS or ICA desirable

Skills & Attributes
Strong risk-based decision-making capability
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Ability to challenge, influence, and drive change in a dynamic environment
Commercial mindset with the ability to balance risk, regulation, and business objectives

Why Apply
Opportunity to shape and enhance financial crime frameworks in a high-profile environment
Significant exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
Flexible contract with strong likelihood of extension

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