About ARQ

Join ARQ's Compliance Team as a Lead – Internal Compliance and continue your career growth in financial crime prevention.

Since 1997, ARQ Group has provided exceptional client service to our international and local client base, whilst navigating complex global risk and regulated financial services obligations.

Being part of the Internal Compliance Team, the Lead role will bring robust expertise on Maltese regulatory and financial crime risk, and be responsible for the application and management ARQ Group’s effective business risk controls.

About the role & what we’re looking for

The Lead – Internal Compliance will report to the Compliance Manager and Group MLRO and be responsible, but not limited to:

Proactive working and enthusiasm for identifying AML/CFT risks and proposing effective mitigation strategies – in line with ARQ’s commercial and client needs, regulatory requirements, and strict compliance with PMLFTR, PMLA, FIAU Implementing Procedures, and other applicable local & global obligations,
Self-driven, working to manage AML/CFT risk and coordinate own priorities and delivery within the wider team,
Support in overseeing and managing delivery across the team – helping coordinate, prioritise and assigning tasks (in agreement with MLRO as appropriate), based on urgency and the workload of the compliance executives,
Acting as a key point of contact with the 1LoD for queries and escalations, including sharing of knowledge experience within the 2LoD team,
Drafting & presentation of AML/CFT training & guidance within the business, on:
New regulatory requirements, AML/CFT risk and strategy, and new policies and procedures,
Delivery and ownership of ad hoc and assigned process enhancements – including:
drafting, review, and continuous improvement of the business processes and procedures,
effectiveness testing, and ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, and best practices,
Carrying out ongoing assurance reviews, and as appropriate, acting as point of contact or lead of key assurance activities, for:
the adequacy of policies and procedures and their implementation, and assisting with any required remediation,
Client files, risk assessments, and reporting completeness – including working with 1LoD on risk remediation requirements and delivery,
Handling escalations and discussion (including with the MLRO) any high risk or suspicious matters raised to 2LoD, or identified through review,
Assisting the MLRO with reporting requirements, both:
internal, e.g. periodic business analysis, and ad hoc Board and senior management reporting, and,
external – e.g. Risk Evaluation Questionnaires, Business Risk Assessments,
Assisting in the coordination of any regulatory examinations, on-site visits, and responses to regulators for information or reviews,
Conducting a 4-eyes review of work 2LoD work output – both onboarding and ongoing reviews,
Assisting the MLRO preparing and presenting High Risk and Complex cases to the Client Acceptance Committee (CAC) – including presentation, and documentation of minutes and record of key CAC decisions,
As required, completion and review of customer searches and screening, including complex case review and advisory,
Facilitation and support to 1LoD customer during outreach for customer due diligence,
Assistance in the development and management of systems adopted by the department, including testing and ensuring their effectiveness and efficiency,
Assistance to the MLROs of the different entities within the Group with the fulfilment of their obligations, including the collection of information in respect of suspicious transactions and the reporting of such transactions to the authorities,

Education and Experience

A minimum of 3-5 years’ professional finance services experience with demonstrated increasing seniority and responsibility,
Proven delivery in a CSP and Fiduciary/Trustee environment, or equivalent financial services background,
Of which, a minimum of 2 years’ experience in an AML/CFT senior position – effecting risk decisions, ensuring timely delivery and risk management, and people performance and quality oversight,
A university degree, equivalent qualification, or equivalent experience in a related area,
Previous experience working with a regulatory/supervisory body or CSP/Trustee/advisory firm will be considered an asset,
Professional qualifications such as ICA, or ACAMs, or equivalent,

Knowledge and Skills

Sound working knowledge of the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism in Malta, the FIAU Implementing Procedures, the relevant EU legislation, and other international standards,
Good working knowledge of administering the AML/CFT for Corporate Services Providers (CSP) services, including monitoring of transactions, and their related parties,
Good working knowledge of administering AML/CFT relevant reporting for Trust and Fiduciary services, including monitoring of transactions, and related parties,
Robust analytical and investigative mind-set for understanding customer presented risk & mitigations, and a keen eye for detail,
Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word and be ready to learn company-specific software, as required,
Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English, and other languages will be a benefit,
A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards,
Work with minimal supervision, be able to prioritise and deliver quality work to meet strict deadlines,

What we offer

Opportunities for professional career development throughout employment,
Ongoing dedicated training opportunities, and access to ARQ Educate and other training events (as applicable),
Private health insurance scheme,
A hybrid approach to work,
Exciting and friendly work environment,
Competitive salary package,
Achievement bonus for furthering role-relevant professional education,
An active social committee, organising various fun and team-building events on a regular basis,

Lead - Internal Compliance

Job Description