Analyst - Financial Crime (Fixed Term Contract, 10 months)

Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund

At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. Providing £27.8bn of capital and an expanded mandate, we are ready to help the market invest with confidence, continue to drive forward the Government's growth ambitions.

We are looking for skilled and results oriented individuals who are motivated to help us build the National Wealth Fund into an industry-leading institution.

Analyst - Financial Crime

Contract: This is a fixed term contract for a 10 month period

The primary purpose of the Risk & Compliance function at the National Wealth Fund (NWF) is to embed an effective risk management framework which enables the risks to the Fund’s objectives to be managed in an agile and effective way. The team fosters a risk-aware culture across the Fund and provide the necessary assurance that key risks are managed within the appetite set by the Board.

Role Purpose

The Analyst will support the delivery of the National Wealth Fund’s financial crime framework, helping to identify, assess and monitor financial crime risks associated with new transactions and the existing portfolio.

Working under the direction of the Financial Crime Manager and with guidance from more experienced colleagues, the role holder will undertake due diligence, screening, research and monitoring activities. They will maintain accurate records, prepare clear summaries of findings and escalate potential concerns promptly.

As part of the second line Risk & Compliance function, the Analyst will support effective financial crime oversight and contribute to a strong compliance culture across the Fund. The role provides an opportunity to develop financial crime knowledge and practical experience, with complex assessments, material judgements and approvals subject to appropriate senior review.

Location: Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in the Leeds office.

Core Responsibilities

• Undertake allocated customer due diligence activities for new and existing counterparties, gathering and reviewing information in accordance with the Fund’s policies and procedures. Identify missing or inconsistent information and follow up with relevant colleagues.
• Research corporate structures and beneficial ownership arrangements, documenting findings clearly and referring complex structures or unresolved discrepancies to more experienced colleagues.
• Complete sanctions, politically exposed person and adverse media screening using approved systems and sources. Document initial findings and escalate potential matches or concerns in line with agreed procedures.
• Gather evidence and prepare initial counterparty risk assessments for review, identifying relevant risk factors and recording the rationale for proposed risk ratings.
• Support periodic and event-driven reviews of existing counterparties, maintaining review schedules and highlighting changes that may affect their financial crime risk profile.
• Carry out defined monitoring and testing activities under supervision, recording results accurately and highlighting potential control weaknesses or departures from established procedures.
• Assist more experienced colleagues with financial crime enquiries and investigations by gathering information, maintaining case records and preparing factual summaries.
• Respond to routine queries about financial crime processes and information requirements, using approved guidance and referring complex or interpretative matters to the Financial Crime Associate or Manager.
• Collate and check data for financial crime reporting, maintain action trackers and contribute to reports on due diligence activity, outstanding reviews, emerging issues and control performance.
• Assist with updates to procedures, guidance and templates, identifying practical improvements arising from day-to-day work.
• Retrieve and organise supporting evidence for internal reviews, audits and other enquiries, maintaining a clear and accessible audit trail.
• Support the preparation and administration of financial crime training and awareness materials, and maintain personal knowledge through relevant learning and development.
• Work constructively with colleagues across the Fund, managing allocated tasks to agreed deadlines and escalating issues that may affect quality or timely completion.

Knowledge, Skill and Experience Requirements

Experience

• Some relevant experience in financial crime, compliance, risk, due diligence, financial services operations or a comparable analytical or administrative role.
• Experience gained through an internship, placement or apprenticeship may be relevant.
• Experience of gathering and checking information, maintaining records and completing work accurately against defined requirements.
• Experience of working with colleagues or other stakeholders to obtain information and resolve routine queries.

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of financial crime risks, including money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions, fraud, and bribery and corruption.
• Awareness of the UK financial crime regulatory framework and a willingness to develop knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory expectations and industry guidance.
• Understanding of the purpose of customer due diligence, beneficial ownership checks, screening and ongoing monitoring.
• Awareness of the importance of confidentiality, accurate record-keeping and timely escalation.

Skills

• Good analytical and research skills, with the ability to review information from different sources and identify gaps, inconsistencies or potential concerns. Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate, well-organised records.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise, factual summaries.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise allocated work and meet agreed deadlines.
• Sound judgement about when to seek guidance or escalate an issue, recognising the limits of personal knowledge and authority.
• Ability to follow established procedures while asking constructive questions and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, and the ability to learn new systems.
• A collaborative approach, professional integrity and willingness to act on feedback. 

A career with us offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on cutting-edge technologies that will drive the UK’s future. We value diversity in our people and inclusion is at the heart of what we do.

We offer competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience. Please note, referencing and background checks are carried out for all roles here at the National Wealth Fund.