Financial Crime Lead

About ACS Operations

ACS Operations is a compliance-led consultancy supporting banks, fintechs, and regulated firms with end-to-end financial crime risk management. From AML frameworks and transaction monitoring to KYC remediation and governance advisory, we deliver tailored solutions to help organisations meet regulatory obligations and safeguard their operations.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Financial Crime Lead to oversee and enhance financial crime prevention measures across our client engagements.
You will be responsible for managing a team of analysts and specialists, ensuring the effective implementation of AML, CTF, fraud prevention, and sanctions controls in line with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.

This is a senior role suited for a hands-on leader with a deep understanding of UK regulatory frameworks, emerging risks, and technology-enabled compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of financial crime frameworks for clients
• Oversee AML, sanctions screening, PEP, fraud, and transaction monitoring activities
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on UK Money Laundering Regulations and JMLSG guidance
• Provide case-level guidance and oversight on high-risk escalations and suspicious activity reports (SARs)
• Conduct financial crime risk assessments and control gap analyses
• Manage and mentor a team of analysts and specialists to ensure high-quality, compliant outcomes
• Collaborate with stakeholders across compliance, legal, product, and operations functions
• Support client audits, regulatory reviews, and internal control assessments
• Monitor relevant regulatory updates to maintain policy alignment and best practice
• Contribute to training, client proposals, and development of financial crime toolkits

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in financial crime roles within banking, payments, or consulting
• In-depth understanding of AML, CTF, KYC, sanctions, fraud risk, and regulatory obligations
• Proven leadership experience in managing teams and complex financial crime programmes
• Strong knowledge of UK and EU regulations (MLR 2017, POCA, OFSI, FATF guidance)
• Experience with AML systems, transaction monitoring, and case management tools
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Professional qualifications such as ICA, ACAMS, or equivalent are highly desirable

Why Join ACS Operations?

• Shape and lead financial crime strategies for a diverse portfolio of regulated clients
• Work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment with room for innovation
• Access industry-leading compliance technology and research resources
• Leadership growth pathways and continued professional development
• Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and performance-based rewards