VP Legal Counsel – Financial Crime (AML)

VP Legal Counsel – Financial Crime (AML) Location: London WFH: Hybrid Reports to: Head of Legal Direct Reports: N/A Salary: Competitive + bonus + benefits

A leading international financial institution is seeking a Financial Crime Lawyer to join its legal function.

This is a highly visible role advising across the business on a broad range of anti-money laundering and financial crime matters. The successful candidate will work closely with compliance, risk and senior stakeholders, providing practical and commercially focused legal advice in a complex regulatory environment.

You will advise on anti-money laundering (AML) and related financial crime matters across the business, helping stakeholders navigate complex legal and regulatory requirements. The role offers significant exposure to senior colleagues and the opportunity to shape how legal requirements are understood and applied in practice.

Working closely with Compliance, Risk and Financial Crime teams, you will provide clear, commercially grounded advice on both day-to-day questions and strategic business initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Advise business and control functions on AML, financial crime and related regulatory obligations.
• Provide legal input on new products, transactions, client matters and business initiatives.
• Support the development and review of financial crime policies, procedures and controls.
• Help stakeholders assess legal risk and reach practical, defensible decisions.
• Work closely with Compliance, Risk and Financial Crime colleagues on matters that span multiple business areas.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments, explain their implications and support the business in responding to change.

About you

You will be a qualified lawyer with substantial experience advising on AML and financial crime issues, gained in private practice, an in-house financial services team, or a government or regulatory body.

You will bring a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework, sound judgement, and the ability to give clear advice to senior stakeholders. This role is particularly suited to someone whose experience is centred on legal advisory work, rather than primarily on investigations or litigation.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates