Head of Business Acceptance

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We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.

In recent years we have substantially grown our business acceptance function with a view to better responding to both the Firm's needs and the applicable regulatory regimes. The Business Acceptance team, currently based in London, Singapore and Hong Kong (and soon to be in Dubai), is responsible for all business acceptance matters across our international network of offices. In particular, key responsibilities of the Business Acceptance team include the operation of new business intake systems and processes, including new client and matter opening, conflict checking, AML CDD, risk assessments, data collection and quality control, and monitoring of non-standard engagement terms (the latter together with the Legal and Regulatory Risk team). The Business Acceptance team also work closely with our client facing teams who, are the principal point of contact with our clients on compliance and related matters.

Overall job role

The role of the Head of Business Acceptance is to lead and manage the Business Acceptance team and related functions in addition to playing a substantive role in leading and developing the Firm's compliance management processes, in conjunction with the Firm's leadership team as appropriate, as well as taking the lead on ad-hoc compliance projects. The role is based in London (where the Firm is headquartered) but the remit is international with the Head of Business Acceptance having responsibility for business acceptance matters in all our offices. The Head of Business acceptance will be expected to work closely with teams in all of the Firm's offices and travel to them as needed.

The Head of Business Acceptance will report to the Firm's General Counsel and will work closely with the Head of Legal & Regulatory Risk, the Firm's MLRO and MLCO as well as the COLP and COFA where needed.

The Head of Business Acceptance will be a member of the Firm's Risk Committee and will work closely with the risk partners in each practice group and office in addition to working with and advising partners, fee earners and other staff in respect of a range of compliance issues. The Head of Business Acceptance will also work closely with and support other Heads of Business Services on cross-discipline projects.

• Lead the Business Acceptance team (currently comprising an AML & Sanctions Manager, a Business Acceptance Manager, five Senior Compliance Officers and fifteen Compliance Officers to ensure a high level of professional expertise and service is provided to all internal clients in all offices. Manage, mentor, support and develop team members.
• Act as a point of escalation on complex regulatory conflict of interest queries and assist the Firm's Conflicts Committee in resolving commercial conflict queries. Advise on the implementation of information barriers, including the creation of insider lists in accordance with Market Abuse Regulation guidelines.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of current AML related guidance, consultations and best practice, including that issued by the SRA, the Law Society, the Financial Action Task Force and updates in relevant jurisdictions.
• Work with subject matter specialists, the MLRO, and the MLCO in relation to (i) ongoing reviews of the Firm's AML policies, controls and procedures (including, but not limited to, annual reviews of the AML Policy and Practice Wide Risk Assessment), and (ii) ensuring that the Firm’s AML policies, controls and processes are independently audited on a regular basis and that all relevant staff are appropriately screened and trained in respect of their obligations.
• Understand and proactively advise the business, alongside subject experts as appropriate in relation to obligations under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) alongside the ML regulations.
• Liaise closely with Risk Partners and Money Laundering Reporting Officers across the network to ensure that local regulations are appropriately reflected in the Firm's policies, controls and processes and to ensure that annual AML filings are undertaken
• Work with the Money Laundering Reporting Officer on drafting and submitting Suspicious Activities Reports.
• Lead the development and implementation of upgrades relating to the Firm's business intake software (Intapp Open and Intapp Walls). Proactively consider the impact of potential legal and regulatory changes and advancements to ensure that the Firm is able effectively to respond to such changes. This will inevitably involve “horizon scanning” for process improvement opportunities.
• Work alongside subject matter specialists (both fee earners and colleagues in the Legal and Regulatory Risk and Business Acceptance teams) to ensure compliance with applicable sanctions legislation when considering conflicts and AML issues.
• Oversee the business acceptance global training programme, which covers both new joiner training and ongoing periodic training to all people in the business. This is delivered both online (via training modules from external vendors) and in-person.
• Work closely with the Firm's COFA to ensure the effective management of third-party payment risks and compliance with finance-related legislation, including the Solicitors Accounts Rules and the UK Mandatory Disclosure Rules.

• Proven extensive experience in Business Acceptance is essential, either leading a team or at a senior level. Prior experience in an international law firm or other similar professional services businesses is highly desirable.
• A legal qualification or established experience of working in commercial law are preferable but not essential. Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Detailed knowledge of the current requirements of UK AML legislation and the SRA Standards and Regulations is essential; experience of working with similar regulatory requirements in other jurisdictions is highly desirable, including practical application of those requirements.
• A problem solver who is able to assess complex, and sometimes competing, objectives with a view to achieving a resolution that is centred on what is in the best interests of the Firm as a whole.
• A high level of professional competence, rigour and judgment combined with a commercial, pragmatic approach. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally and to build credibility at all levels in the business.
• Comfortable presenting to and discussing complex issues, whether in large groups or 1:1. Able to articulate the case for change and benefits of it and lead, persuade and influence partners.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to research issues, gather information and evidence and formulate and document conclusions and recommendations clearly and succinctly.
• Highly motivated, proactive and energetic - a self-starter who can think and act independently. Delivery-focused and resilient; able to deal effectively with and overcome setbacks while remaining calm under pressure and instilling confidence in their audience.
• Well-organised and able to work to tight deadlines while juggling tangible work product with team management, at times outside standard working hours and on weekends.
• Displays a team-first attitude and prepared to help with BAU tasks where required.
• Strong leadership and people management skills – able to manage multiple projects and activities concurrently, keeping each on track.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly build and maintain a high and visible profile, both within the team and around the Firm.

Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm, and we're committed to creating 'positive partnerships' with our clients. We represent listed and private companies, institutions and individuals, building lasting relationships to help them succeed in a complex and ever-changing world.

Our focus is on five core sectors: Energy Transition, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Private Capital and Funds, Technology, and Transportation and Trade.

With more than 1,500 people, including 220+ partners, across ten offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we combine deep legal capabilities and broad commercial expertise. We have also forged close ties with high quality law firms around the world, blending local knowledge with global savvy for clients in over 100 countries.

We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

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