AML Risk Analyst (Client Onboarding) - Leeds, Nottingham or Birmingham

Working in the firm’s internal client and matter inception escalations team and reporting to the Risk and Compliance Director, this is a key role to ensure the firm’s ongoing compliance with UK AML laws and guidance, triaging and investigating AML alerts. Key Responsibilities Conduct detailed analysis of client and transaction information, identify red flags, and document clear, evidence-based conclusions in line with internal policies and regulatory expectations. Review and investigate flagged AML alerts from the external CMI team relating to client identity and verification, PEPs, UK and international sanctions, adverse media, and source of funds/source of wealth. Escalate higher-risk matters and potential suspicious activity to relevant stakeholders (e.g., MLRO/Compliance) in a timely manner, supporting Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) considerations where appropriate. Support AML due diligence processes for new and existing clients, including ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews, particularly within legal or professional services contexts. Maintain accurate files and audit-ready records, ensuring rationale and supporting evidence are captured appropriately. Support continuous improvement of AML processes and controls by identifying recurring issues, suggesting enhancements, and feeding back themes from investigations. Stay up to date with changes to AML laws, regulations, guidance, and typologies, and help translate updates into practical operational requirements. Required Skills & Experience Excellent knowledge of UK AML requirements and the UK sanctions regime. Experience in AML compliance within a legal or professional services environment (or comparable regulated setting), at an analyst/associate level. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret information from multiple sources, identify inconsistencies, and make sound risk-based decisions. Good communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to document findings clearly and explain risk issues to varied stakeholders. High attention to detail and the ability to manage a caseload, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines and service levels. Comfortable working with case management systems, screening tools, and open-source research, while applying data protection and confidentiality requirements. Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths. Become part of the team at Freeths. View some of our recent highlights on our website here. Do we sound like a match? If you’re someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we’d love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team. We’re 1000+ Freethinkers, striving to create a better place. We’re committed to living our values – smart, bold, together – and making a positive change at every touchpoint for our colleagues, clients and communities. We’ve built our law firm on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism and expertise. This has helped us grow into one of the largest full-service law firms in the UK, with 13 offices and over 1000 colleagues, and counting. 1. Think Ambition: We’ve built our law firm on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism and expertise. This has helped us grow into one of the largest full-service law firms in the UK, with 13 offices and over 1,000 colleagues, and counting. Matching individual ambition and our firm’s ambition matters. That’s why we develop our people by making sure every one of our team feels connected through a clear progression pathway and leadership support. It’s helped us to grow an award-winning reputation in the eyes of our clients and competitors that each and every one of the Freeths team works hard to uphold in everything we do. 2. Think Recognition: Sharing success matters to us. We love to showcase excellent work across the firm and celebrate our people through our employee awards. We recognise our teams work hard together to deliver the best solutions for our clients. That’s why great work is well rewarded - our rewards and benefits are among the best in the business. 3. Think Together: Our people are at the heart of what makes Freeths such a great place to be. We’re a firm where people care about each other and employee wellbeing is high on the agenda. Our firm is set up to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and mutual respect is shown by all. We understand that differences add strength, which means we maintain a diverse culture where everyone has the freedom to be themselves and thrive. We're committed to championing diversity and building an inclusive culture. We want to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people, regardless of their background. We welcome applications from everybody, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. We celebrate difference, encourage diversity of thought and are dedicated to continually challenging our processes to maintain fairness, equity and transparency. If you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact !recruitmentfreeths@freeths.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss. We are committed to sourcing candidates directly where possible. For particular roles, we may work with preferred suppliers who will be invited by our resourcing team to support us. We may also agree to accept CVs from other suppliers on an ad hoc basis (to be agreed in writing). We will not be responsible for fees in relation to CVs or profiles submitted directly to our partners or other employees or for any applications not submitted via our portal. Agencies should contact our recruitment team before submitting unsolicited applications.