Montagu Evans
Senior Risk & Compliance Specialist
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Senior Anti-Money Laundering Risk & Compliance Consultant
About the Firm
Montagu Evans is a UK property consultancy that helps clients unlock value from complexity, where the most meaningful opportunities reside.
Our purpose is to bring clarity, creativity, and conviction to the complex. We collaborate to create value—not just preserve it—and our team is built for impact, not oversight.
We specialise in high-value, complex assets across the property lifecycle, where political, technical, or commercial challenges demand a joined-up, strategic approach.
The Team/Department
This role sits within the Risk & Compliance team, which supports the firm’s governance and regulatory compliance framework. As a property consultancy and estate agency, the firm is supervised by HMRC for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulatory compliance.
The primary purpose of this role is to:
- Take ownership of risk-based Customer Due Diligence (CDD) for regulated work.
- Conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks for all other clients.
- Ensure efficient client onboarding while meeting regulatory and policy requirements.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Supporting HMRC/RICS AML record-keeping.
- Managing new starter compliance training and annual mandatory AML training.
- Reviewing and updating internal compliance policies.
- Conducting regulatory horizon scanning to assess emerging risks.
The role reports to the Head of Finance and Risk.
Role Overview
This is a hands-on, high-impact role requiring:
- Deep practical knowledge of HMRC AML requirements, particularly within complex scenarios: corporate groups, trusts, offshore structures, high-risk jurisdictions, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and sanctions Screening.
- A judgement-driven approach—identifying red flags, challenging incomplete information, and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Clear communication—translating regulatory requirements into practical, proportionate due diligence steps for colleagues.
- Proactive compliance support—reducing friction between fee-earners and processes while ensuring efficient, compliant client onboarding.
- Strong stakeholder management—working confidently with internal teams and external counterparties to embed robust compliance culture.
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Responsibilities
Core AML & Compliance Duties
- Lead risk-based CDD checks for high-value, regulated transactions, ensuring compliance with HMRC AML requirements for Estate Agency Businesses and internal policies.
- Conduct KYC checks for non-regulated services using a proportionate, risk-based approach.
- Assess ownership and control structures, verifying complex entities such as corporate groups, trusts, offshore structures, and beneficial ownership chains.
- Perform sanctions, PEP, and adverse media screening, implementing enhanced due diligence as required.
- Engage with internal/external stakeholders to obtain necessary information for high-standard CDD/KYC completions.
Monitoring & Oversight
- Conduct ongoing AML monitoring and periodic client reviews, ensuring records remain accurate, current, and appropriately risk-assessed.
- Identify and promptly escalate suspicious activity, red flags, or money laundering concerns to the Head of Compliance/Deputy MLRO, backed by clear rationale.
Process Improvement & Training
- Manage CDD/KYC pipelines efficiently, balancing regulatory deadlines with commercial timelines.
- Provide practical AML compliance advice to colleagues on onboarding requirements, risk assessment, and CDD/KYC expectations.
- Develop and deliver CDD/KYC and AML training for new hires and existing staff.
- Contribute to continuous improvement in client onboarding and due diligence processes.
Broader Compliance Support
- Assist in ISO certification management, including evidence coordination, control monitoring, and reviews.
- Support data privacy initiatives, responding to queries, coordinating actions, and promoting strong data handling practices.
- Deputise for the Head of Finance and Risk as the voice of compliance in key meetings, working groups, and project settings.
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Qualifications
Necessary
- In-depth HMRC AML knowledge for Estate Agency Businesses, with practical experience applying them to high-complexity cases.
- Strong understanding of customer risk assessment and property sector money laundering risk indicators.
- Proven experience in conducting risk-based AML KYC/CDD checks for:
- Individuals
- Corporate entities
- Complex beneficial ownership chains, high-risk client types (e.g., PEPs, offshore structures)
- Expertise in:
- Enhanced due diligence
- Adverse media screening
- PEP/Sanctions compliance
- Ability to critically review information, identify red flags, and make well-justified escalation decisions.
- Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders to gather information efficiently and constructively.
- Familiarity with the entire AML regulatory framework, including:
- Money Laundering Regulations
- Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs)
- NCA/JMLSG guidance
- Sanctions, fraud, bribery & corruption risks
- Exceptional communication skills—written and verbal—with a personable, persuasive demeanour.
- Strong time management and workload prioritisation in a high-volume environment.
- Resilience and determination to resolve complication matters swiftly.
- High attention to detail and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Desirable
- Prior experience in Commercial Real Estate.
- Knowledge of external AML databases (e.g., DNV, LexisNexis).
- Proficiency in Excel and Netsuite.
- Relevant compliance certification: ICA (Chartered Certifications in Anti-Money Laundering or ACAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist).
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