Senior Manager, Financial Crime – Additional role to the firm presso Kwm

• As Australia prepares for the expansion of AML/CTF expectations to additional ‘Tranche 2’ sectors, this role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape how the firm responds to evolving financial crime legislation and regulatory expectations.
• An exciting opportunity that allows for creation and embedding of new processes plus leadership and guidance for a growing team.

Who are we?

A firm born in Asia, underpinned by world class capability. 

With over 3700 lawyers in 26 global locations, we help our clients manage their risk and enable their growth. Our full-service offering combines un-matched top tier local capability complemented with an international platform.

We have deep roots in Australia spanning almost 200 years and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of these lands and waters.

Role Detail

Our Global Business Acceptance Team (GBAT), responsible for client and matter due diligence and risk assessment for Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and United States, is growing as our Financial Crime responsibilities expand.  With the Australian AML/CTF reforms on the horizon, you will play a key role in strengthening the firm’s financial crime framework, ensuring readiness and compliance. Several initial hires have already joined, and we are now recruiting further roles to complete and strengthen this strategic team.

Reporting to the Brisbane-based Head of Financial Crime, you will help prevent, detect, and mitigate financial crime, playing a critical role in evolving our financial crime program and governance framework. You will lead and mentor a small team responsible for initial and ongoing client due diligence and risk assessment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and implementation of financial crime policies, systems, procedures and controls.
• Providing expert advice on AML/CTF risks, emerging regulations, and compliance matters.
• Driving compliance projects, audits, assurance activities, and performance reporting.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure adherence to regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Acting as escalation point and leading training initiatives on financial crime prevention.
• Monitoring and analysing financial transactions to detect suspicious activity and report to authorities.

About You

We are looking for both strategic and hands-on — Someone comfortable setting high-level direction and also rolling up their sleeves to get things done. You will bring:

• Experience in financial crime risk and compliance (anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), counter-proliferation financing (CPF), economic and trade sanctions), preferably in legal, banking, or professional services.
• Understanding of risk management in client onboarding or business intake processes.
• Strong attention to detail, as you’ll be working with sensitive legal and financial information.
• Analytical and investigative skills—you need to spot red flags and decide when to dig deeper.
• Communication skills—you’ll work with internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage workload independently, staying on top of tasks and escalations.
• Proven ability to manage others, helping team members be their best.
• Relevant professional certification from ACAMS, ICA or other.
• A bachelor's degree in law, finance or business administration.

Next Steps

Please click ‘Apply Now’ to apply online with your cover letter summarising why you’re applying and your resume to support your experience.

Applications close COB Thursday 23rd October 2025.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Bridget on (02) 9296 3563.

If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must hold all visas and other approvals necessary for you to work for the firm in Australia.

Why work with us?

We promote a collaborative culture where people feel respected, valued and supported both personally and professionally, and where diversity and inclusion also play an important role in enhancing our knowledge, driving innovative solutions for our clients and creating positive social impact. 

We live by our Principles, and strive for mastery in all that we do.  We take pride in the high quality work we deliver. Working with colleagues and clients who are leaders in their fields, means the ability to explore new paths to progress with continual learning and development, career and leadership opportunities.

As part of the KWM community you’ll have access to a suite of wellbeing initiatives, benefits, policies and processes, to enable you to achieve your career goals.

At KWM, we’ll provide you with the platform to Learn, Master, Lead.