Senior Enhanced Due Diligence and Quality Control Lead

Overview

Reporting to the Director of Financial Crime Risk, this role sits within the Banking Services Business Risk Management function and is responsible for leading and overseeing Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) activity across LHV’s Banking Services client portfolio. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of new client onboarding and periodic EDD reviews, manage complex and ad-hoc escalations, and perform Quality Control (QC) reviews of EDD assessments.

The role ensures that clients are subject to robust, risk-based review and that financial crime risks, risk factors, and red flags are appropriately identified, assessed, and clearly documented.

Role Objectives

This role is responsible for managing the financial crime risks associated with LHV’s Banking Services client base, which predominantly comprises UK and EEA-regulated non-bank financial institutions and fintechs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and conducting in-depth virtual and onsite assessments of prospective and existing clients’ business models, AFC frameworks, and governance/oversight structures, including:
  • Reviewing onboarding and periodic due diligence submissions and assessing the adequacy of financial crime control frameworks.
  • Evaluating the risks posed to LHV through desktop research, client engagement, and onsite visits.
• Maintaining high quality and consistency standards across EDD reviews (both onboarding and periodic).
• Overseeing and guiding the team to deliver reviews to a high standard and within agreed timelines; conducting QC reviews and providing structured feedback and coaching where required.
• Presenting case summaries, client escalations, and management information to senior stakeholders, including relevant AFC Committees, and supporting EDD analysts in preparing such materials.
• Liaising with Relationship Managers, prospects, and existing clients throughout the onboarding and review lifecycle.
• Identifying areas of heightened or unacceptable risk, including assessing clients subject to the Special Interest Client and Excessive Fraud frameworks.
• Producing and analysing management information relating to onboarding, periodic reviews, transaction monitoring, onsite visits, and overall portfolio risk.
• Fostering strong, constructive engagement with internal stakeholders and external clients. Supporting the Director of Financial Crime Risk with project work, review planning, and task allocation as required.

Desirable experience and attributes:

• Prior experience undertaking complex EDD reviews within a financial services environment.
• Experience conducting virtual and onsite assessments of fintechs or regulated financial institutions, including evaluation of business models, AFC programmes, and governance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of financial crime risk management frameworks and common control weaknesses within correspondent banking, payment intermediaries, and e-money institutions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and develop analysts’ technical capability.
• Sound working knowledge of relevant UK regulations and guidance, including:
  • Money Laundering Regulations 2017
  • Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
  • Terrorism Act 2000
  • JMLSG Guidance
  • SAR reporting regime
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex risk issues clearly and concisely.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical judgement.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to develop, implement, and enhance processes.
• Committed to promoting and embedding a strong compliance culture.
• Able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.

Please note: This role requires substantial EDD and financial crime risk experience. Candidates whose experience is limited to KYC-only roles or retail banking environments are unlikely to be suitable.

Limited travel may be required.