Deputy MLRO

Who are we

Founded in 1896, Knight Frank was registered as Knight Frank LLP a Limited Liability Partnership, on 3 November 2003, registered in England & Wales at 55 Baker Street, London, W1U 8AN with the registered number of OC305934. Headquartered in London, UK, Knight Frank is one of the world's leading independent real estate consultancies. We work responsibly in partnership to enhance people's lives and environments in over 50 Markets, 600+ Offices, 20,000+ People, 1 Global Network.

At the heart of all we do are our Clients. A relationship built on trust is vital. As trusted partners in property, we act with integrity and care, understanding our clients' unique needs and consistently thinking about the bigger picture to provide personalised, clear and considered advice across all areas of property. Through our deep understanding of key markets and sectors - both emerging and established - we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their property goals.

A true partnership is a balanced one, and our People are passionate about, and committed to, making our business inclusive and diverse. We give every individual the space and opportunity to perform at their best and be recognised for the immense value they bring. We empower everyone to have autonomy in their role and encourage them to use their voice in how we can make a positive impact as a firm and shape the future of real estate, the built environment and the impact on the communities we serve. Our collaborative and engaged teams provide excellent and dedicated client service. In our workplace, opinions are respected, everyone is invited to contribute to the success of our business and innovation, and new ideas are celebrated.

In 2021 we celebrated our 125th anniversary and set out Our Desired Future, cemented in three pillars: People Potential, Client Centricity and always Creating our Future, together. Learn more about what sets us apart here.

About The Role

Knight Frank is looking to hire a Deputy MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting) Officer to join their Head Office in Baker Street.

About the Role:

The Deputy MLRO plays a critical leadership role in supporting the effective management of financial crime risk across the real estate business. This position helps ensure full compliance with the AML/CTF regulatory framework, maintaining robust systems and controls, and leading a team of financial crime professionals. The role provides expert guidance across the business and formally deputises for the Head of Financial Crime & MLRO when required.

Responsibilities:

AML/CTF Governance & Oversight

• Support the Head of Financial Crime & MLRO in maintaining an effective firm-wide AML/CTF framework in line with regulations and HMRC estate agency supervision requirements.

• Lead the development, review, and enhancement of financial crime policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Oversee CDD, EDD, and ongoing monitoring activities, ensuring consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Provide oversight and advisory support relating to sanctions compliance (e.g., OFSI).

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop members of the financial crime team to ensure high standards of technical expertise and operational performance.
• Allocate workloads and oversee day-to-day case management activities.
• Champion a strong financial crime compliance culture across the business.

Suspicious Activity Reporting

• Act as a primary escalation point for internal suspicious activity reports.
• Conduct comprehensive investigations and prepare SARs for submission to the NCA, deputising for the Head of Financial Crime & MLRO as needed.
• Maintain full audit trails, including SAR registers and case logs.

Regulatory Reporting & Interaction

• Support the Head of Financial Crime & MLRO during engagements with for example, HMRC, FCA, NCA, OFSI, and law enforcement agencies.
• Assist with regulatory inspections, external audits, and independent assurance reviews.
• Monitor regulatory developments and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.

Business Partnership & Advisory

• Provide specialist advice to front-line teams, investment functions, and deal teams on AML/CTF, sanctions, and financial crime concerns.
• Review and sign off high-risk customers and transactions, including PEPs, overseas investors, complex structures, and higher-risk jurisdictions.
• Advise on UBO analysis, source of funds (SOF), and source of wealth (SOW).

Training & Culture

• Lead the creation and delivery of AML/CTF training programmes tailored to the real estate sector.
• Promote awareness of property-based money laundering typologies, corruption risks, and high-risk investment patterns

Data, Reporting & Management Information

• Produce regular reports and MI to support the Head of Financial Crime & MLRO, senior management, and governance committees.
• Track and analyse AML/CTF KRIs, trends, and control effectiveness metrics.

Key Experience Required:

Essential

• Strong knowledge of AML/CTF legislation and its application in the real estate industry.
• Proven experience in AML/financial crime roles, ideally within property, investment, or other higher-risk sectors.
• Demonstrable leadership experience, including managing and developing teams.
• Strong investigative, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• ICA Diploma or equivalent AML/compliance qualification.
• Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, or law enforcement.
• Knowledge of sanctions obligations and international risk exposure.
• Experience with AML technology solutions or digital onboarding systems.

Key Skills Required:

• High integrity and strong ethical standards.
• Proactive, pragmatic, and solution oriented.
• Effective leader with strong coaching and collaboration skills.
• Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Competitive salary

Please note: this is a Direct Search led by Knight Frank. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs, even if provided by PSL agencies.

Knight Frank provides commercial and residential property advice encompassing sales, lettings, management, valuation and corporate services across sectors globally.