Team Leader - AML & Sanctions Screening

What this job involves:

JLL is seeking an experienced and dynamic Compliance Team Leader to oversee our AML/KYC & Sanctions team. In this crucial role, you will lead a team of compliance professionals, ensuring the highest standards of regulatory compliance and risk management across our global operations.

As an AML/KYC & Sanctions Screening Team Leader within JLL's Global Legal Compliance (GLC) team, you'll be at the forefront of protecting our organization and clients from financial crime. Based in a JLL Business Services (JBS) shared service center, you'll report to the Compliance / Sanctions Screening Manager within JBS.

In this critical role, you will ensure:

• Scrutinize transactional data with sharp analytical skills
• Verify client identities using robust KYC procedures
• Ensure strict adherence to global sanctions and regulatory frameworks
• Navigate complex compliance challenges in a fast-paced environment
• Apply meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of your work
• Collaborate with quality control teams to refine work based on feedback and maintain high standards of work.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a team.
• Subject matter expert who conducts training sessions and quality reviews with the Quality Assurance team.
• Develop and conduct training on regulatory updates and best practices to enhance team compliance
• Optimize quality control processes to consistently exceed accuracy thresholds
• Mentor junior team members, providing targeted feedback and process training to improve key performance indicators
• 1-1 coaching feedback
• People and process management
• People Engagement
• Balanced Scorecards
• Stakeholder Management
• KPIs & KRIs
• Suspicious Activity Reporting to MLRO
• Priority & Time Management

Your expertise in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Sanctions Screening will be instrumental in maintaining JLL's integrity and compliance standards. This position offers an opportunity to leverage your advanced analytical capabilities and compliance knowledge in a dynamic, global setting.

Oversight & Governance:

KYC Due Diligence: Validate client identities, assess their business purposes, and document findings to comply with KYC and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements.

Sanctions Screening: Screen Clients, transactions, and counterparties against global sanctions lists (e.g., OFAC, UN, EU) to prevent prohibited dealings, ensuring timely resolution of alerts.

Transaction Monitoring: Review and analyse account activity to identify patterns indicative of money laundering, terrorist financing, or fraud, escalating potential risks for further investigation

Regulatory Compliance: Apply and interpret AML, sanctions, and financial crime policies to ensure alignment with federal, state, and international regulations.

Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate red flags or anomalies in data, preparing concise reports with actionable recommendations for senior compliance teams.

Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of screening outcomes, KYC reviews, and escalations, submitting high-quality deliverables within set timelines.

Collaboration: Partner with compliance, legal and operations teams to address gaps, refine processes and respond to regulatory inquiries.

Continuous Improvement: Provide insights to enhance screening tools and workflows, contributing to a culture of efficiency and innovation.

Lead KYC due diligence, sanctions screening, and transaction monitoring processes

Apply and interpret AML, sanctions, and financial crime policies

Conduct risk assessments and prepare actionable reports

Maintain accurate documentation and ensure timely reporting

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine processes and address compliance gaps

Provide subject matter guidance, coaching, and training to team members

Contribute to continuous improvement of compliance tools and workflows

Stay updated on evolving AML and sanctions regulations

Analyze trends in compliance data to identify potential risks and improvement areas

Prepare detailed reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies

Facilitate training sessions and workshops to ensure understanding and adherence to procedures across all levels of the organization.

Stay abreast of changes in regulations and guidelines (both global and local laws & policies) relevant to the organization's operations and incorporate them into procedure development with necessary approvals

Evaluate regulatory guidelines and industry standards to assess their impact on current systems and business operations. Work closely with subject matter experts, department heads, and quality assurance teams to gather input and feedback to strengthen the system/ procedure.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Management/People Management:

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of compliance analysts and specialists
• Set performance goals, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the team

Compliance Oversight:

• Oversee AML, KYC, and sanctions screening processes, ensuring adherence to global regulatory requirements
• Develop and implement compliance strategies aligned with JLL's risk appetite and business objectives
• Monitor and analyze compliance metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement

Policy and Procedure Development:

• Lead the development and regular review of compliance policies, procedures, and controls
• Ensure alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices

Risk Management:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with senior management to address high-risk compliance issues

Training and Education:

• Design and deliver compliance training programs for team members and wider organization
• Keep the team updated on regulatory changes and emerging compliance trends

Stakeholder Management:

• Liaise with internal departments, senior management, and external regulators
• Prepare and present compliance reports to executive leadership and board committees

Technology and Process Optimization:

• Drive the adoption of new compliance technologies and tools
• Identify opportunities for process automation and efficiency improvements

Team Development and Coaching

• Provide one-on-one feedback and mentoring to team members
• Foster employee engagement and professional growth

Operational Excellence

• Manage people and processes effectively
• Implement and monitor balanced scorecards
• Oversee key performance indicators (KPIs) and key risk indicators (KRIs)

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Liaise with internal departments and external partners
• Ensure clear communication and alignment across all levels

Risk Mitigation and Reporting

• Collaborate with Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) on suspicious activity reporting
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance reporting

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently
• Align team activities with organizational compliance goals

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process enhancements
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and industry best practices

Key Skills:

In-depth knowledge of AML regulations, OFAC, and international sanctions laws

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and concise responses to regulatory findings

Ability to manage high-volume caseloads and maintain meticulous records

Proficiency in compliance software and tools

Experience in cross-functional collaboration

Skilled in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines

Ability to handle complex situations with clarity and integrity

Experience with multinational companies preferred

Knowledge of professional services or real estate market a plus

We seek a candidate who blends AML and sanctions compliance expertise with excellent communication skills, capable of navigating complex regulations while working effectively within our team.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, data analysis functions

Expertise in creating clear, concise, and visually appealing PowerPoint presentations for various audiences, including senior management and external stakeholders

Ability to translate complex compliance data and concepts into easily understandable visual formats

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business, or related field; Master's degree preferred

Minimum 7-10 years of experience in financial compliance, with at least 3 years in a leadership role

In-depth knowledge of global AML, KYC, and sanctions regulations

Strong understanding of the real estate industry and its compliance challenges

CAMS certification or equivalent professional qualification

Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Proficiency in compliance software and data analysis tools

Preferred Qualification:

Certification such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) or similar

Experience with data analytics tools (e.g. Power Bi, Tableau, SQL) or transaction monitoring systems.

Knowledge of global sanctions regimes and regulatory bodies (e.g., FATF, FinCEN).

Proven ability to adapt to change, propose process enhancements, and mentor junior team members.