Senior Risk and Compliance Analyst (Legal) | UK-Based Law Firm | Fully Remote

Introduction

A prestigious UK-based Law Firm is seeking an experienced Senior Risk & Compliance Analyst (Legal) to join its global Risk & Compliance team.

This is a fully remote opportunity for a South African-based professional with strong experience in legal compliance, AML, KYC, client due diligence, enhanced due diligence, sanctions screening, PEP screening, adverse media, conflicts and client/matter risk assessments.

The Senior Risk & Compliance Analyst will play a key role in advising fee earners, business functions and clients on complex client and matter risk. The position will also oversee and support junior analysts while contributing to the development, enhancement and effectiveness of the firm's risk and compliance framework.

The successful candidate will have strong technical AML/KYC knowledge, sound risk-based judgement, excellent analytical skills and the ability to manage complex compliance matters within a fast-paced international legal environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end client onboarding and due diligence processes.

• Send and manage onboarding requests to clients, directors and beneficial owners and assess identity requirements and supporting documentation.

• Conduct conflict, sanctions, PEP and adverse media screening.

• Support clients with onboarding queries and resolve or escalate potential screening matches.

• Maintain accurate and compliant client records across firm systems.

• Conduct risk-based analysis, assign client risk ratings and complete client and matter risk assessments.

• Update case management systems with relevant compliance and risk information.

• Undertake complex AML risk assessments and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on high-risk clients, escalating matters to the Head of Risk & Compliance and MLRO where appropriate.

• Liaise with internal stakeholders, clients and third parties regarding CDD, AML, KYC and regulatory compliance matters.

• Conduct periodic reviews and ongoing monitoring of open and closed client files.

• Ensure client and matter data remains accurate, current and compliant with regulatory requirements.

• Enhance and maintain compliance systems, controls, checklists and procedures.

• Ensure internal processes remain aligned with evolving AML legislation, regulatory requirements and best practice.

• Maintain accurate digital records, documentation and audit trails.

• Supervise, mentor and provide technical guidance to junior Risk & Compliance Analysts.

• Review junior team members' work outputs and conduct peer quality checks.

• Provide training, technical support and escalation assistance to junior team members.

• Support the Head of Risk & Compliance with regulatory queries, third-party questionnaires, internal audits and file reviews.

• Assist with policy updates, implementation and wider team management.

• Monitor regulatory developments, emerging risks and AML trends.

• Conduct investigations into compliance issues and transactions, providing recommendations and appropriate risk mitigation strategies.

• Lead and participate in compliance projects, process improvements and system enhancements.

• Manage and maintain the joint Compliance Inbox.

• Promote a strong culture of legal ethics, regulatory compliance and risk awareness across the firm.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum Requirements

• Law degree or equivalent qualification, Risk Management, Compliance or a related field

• Prior experience in a legal compliance function is essential.

• Strong working knowledge of AML, KYC and regulatory compliance, preferably within a law firm or financial services environment.

• Proven experience handling complex due diligence, Enhanced Due Diligence and high-risk client scenarios.

• Strong knowledge of CDD, client onboarding, sanctions, PEP screening, adverse media and conflict checking.

• Experience with client and matter risk assessments and risk-based decision-making.

• Experience mentoring, supervising or providing technical guidance to junior team members.

• Excellent analytical and investigative skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Confident stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and advise colleagues and clients.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple competing priorities.

• Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused.

• Commercially aware with sound professional judgement.

• Strong technical and systems skills.

• Ability to work effectively within a global, collaborative and fully remote environment.

Package & Remuneration

Market Related

Interested?

Why Join?

• Join a renowned UK law firm recognised for excellence, integrity and innovation.

• Work fully remotely from South Africa while gaining international exposure.

• Work on complex cross-border legal risk and compliance matters.

• Join a professional, collaborative and supportive global Risk & Compliance team.

• Contribute to high standards of legal ethics, AML compliance, regulatory compliance and client service.

• Develop your career within an established international legal environment.

Interested?

Apply online

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