We are looking for a High Risk Officer - Financial Crime to join our team!
About Unity Trust Bank
Unity Trust Bank is an award-winning, independent, commercial bank that uses banking to improve the lives of local communities.
Living by our principles of banking with integrity, Unity’s purpose is to help create a better society, not simply maximise profits.
For 40 years we’ve worked with organisations that address social, economic and environmental needs across the UK.
With offices in Birmingham, Manchester and London, we offer a range of day-to-day banking services, including current accounts, savings accounts and loans.
In 2023 Unity achieved the milestone of £1 billion in lending to social enterprises, charities, small businesses, housing associations, and other socially-minded organisations.
In 2024 we received the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in recognition of our dedication to delivering social good through our work.
Our values are also embedded in our culture and we were named as one of the Best Places to Work by the Sunday Times in 2024.
Unity was the first UK bank to become a Real Living Wage employer back in 2013 and the first to achieve the Fair Tax Mark in 2014.
We are also a Women In Finance Charter signatory, a member of the Banking Standards Board and we hold the Investors in People Gold standard.
Visit www.unity.co.uk for more information.
The role
Some of your responsibilities will include:
Monitoring and Assurance:
- Conduct quality assurance on the output of financial crime operations to detect suspicious activity.
- Investigate alert outcomes relating to transaction monitoring, name screening, payment filtering and fraud detection.
- Conduct quality assurance on customer risk assessments and associated due diligence reviews.
- Ensure all line one financial crime output complies with regulatory requirements and internal processes.
- Prepare and communicate detailed quality assurance reports, highlighting individual and thematic issues.
Investigations and Advisory:
- Conduct AML/CTF, Sanctions, Political Exposure, and Fraud Investigations in line with internal processes.
- Support the drafting of internal suspicious activity reports (SARs) prior to escalation.
- Maintain accurate records of all investigations and reporting activities.
- Provide advisory support to Customer Due Diligence and Ongoing Monitoring Teams.
Procedure Development and Training:
- Assist in developing and updating Line 1 financial crime procedures and methodologies.
- Ensure regulatory and internal process changes are communicated effectively.
- Assist with the delivery of training on financial crime awareness and prevention.
- Contribute to developing training materials to support ongoing education.
Collaboration:
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to financial crime prevention.
- Liaise with external bodies, including law enforcement and regulatory agencies, as necessary.
The person
We are keen to hear from experienced High Risk Officer’s who can work collaboratively and have the following skills:
Qualifications and Experience:
- Professional certification such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) or ICA Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention (D)
- At least 3 years of experience in a similar role within financial crime compliance (E)
- Strong knowledge of regulations and industry best practices (E)
- Excellent analytical and investigative skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in using financial crime compliance monitoring software
(E = essential D= desirable)
The role will be Birmingham based.