AML Analyst

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has more than 1,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, São Paulo, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.

The Anti-Money Laundering ("AML") Analyst - Contract (6 Months) will undertake AML processes such as Client Due Diligence (CDD), Risk Assessments, Monitoring and Reporting. 

• Review and assess the AML and reputational risk associated with new client and matter requests;
• Perform client due diligence and screening for PEPs, Sanctions, Adverse Media etc., utilising a number of trusted industry sources;
• Disposition screening alerts making a determination on true or false matches, escalating if required;
• Thoroughly document research and analysis completed on clients and/or matters in a manner suitable for review by internal and external stakeholders e.g. Regulators, Audit, AML Compliance Manager;
• Undertake appropriate research in order to obtain a good understanding of a client’s business and related parties in order to monitor client’s activities for unusual transactions;
• Perform investigations where there are ML/CTF suspicions regarding clients and/or matters and escalate findings clearly and concisely for internal review by the Director of European Risk and Compliance;
• Develop solid relationships with key internal stakeholders: Partners, Fee Earners, PAs, Matter Management, New Business Intake, Director of European Risk and Compliance and the Risk team;
• Periodically evaluate existing clients working with Partners and Fee Earners in order to keep CDD and risk assessments on client files up to date; and
• Assist with any other AML Compliance related matters or projects as identified and assigned by the Director of European Risk and Compliance.

• Bachelor's degree required (2:1 or above preferred);
• Law degree / LPC  not essential;
• Strong understanding of AML/CTF requirements and financial crime risks associated with the range of services in the legal industry an advantage but not a prerequisite as full training will be given;

• Relevant AML experience, preferably in an international law firm an advantage;
• Strong analytical and research skills;
• Experience of AML/KYC/Due Diligence processes and systems a plus;
• Experience with AML monitoring and screening a plus;
• Attention to detail;
• A recognized AML/Compliance qualification is desirable but not essential;
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal;
• Strong decision making capabilities;
• Team player;
• Must have sound judgment;

• Able to work in a fast paced environment;
• Good planning, time management and prioritisation skills; and
• Must have good knowledge of Microsoft office applications especially strong Excel skills.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive

Simpson Thacher is committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity, or circumstance. We know that we are at our best when we bring together diverse experiences and perspectives. This is why we are focused on fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration, empowering every individual to thrive and succeed.