Anti-money Laundering/ Counter-terrorist Financing

The Anti-Money Laundering/ Counter-Terrorist Financing* (AML/CTF*) Manager, Internal Risk and Compliance will join our Internal Risk and Compliance team in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane with the Commercial Real Estate practice group (Environment & Planning) in Sydney. This is an exciting opportunity for the role-holder to lead the operational implementation of Baker McKenzie’s AML/CTF Program, ensuring compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth) and the 2025 AML/CTF Rules. This role is critical as the legal profession transitions into Tranche 2 of the AML regime, with new obligations commencing from July 2026.

The individual will work closely with Baker McKenzie’s global AML Compliance Service team (located overseas), our AML/CTF Compliance Officer, Risk & Compliance Special Counsel, legal teams, and firm leadership to embed AML/CTF controls into client workflows, manage risk-based processes, and support the firm’s readiness for independent evaluations.

** Main responsibilities**:

- Serve as a key advisor on AML/CTF matters, including queries regarding third-party payers and billing requirements
- Identify issues and trends and monitor the market and regulatory environment to ensure the firm’s AML/CTF practices remain current and responsive

Client Due Diligence & Risk Management:

- Conduct initial and ongoing CDD, including identity verification, beneficial ownership checks, and source of funds/wealth analysis, supplementing the work performed by the firm’s global AML Compliance Service team
- Facilitate communication and problem-solving between Partners and secretaries in Australia and the AML Compliance Service team
- Perform enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients, including politically exposed persons (PEPs) and complex structures
- Maintain AML/CTF risk assessments and update them in response to regulatory changes or internal reviews
- Monitor client transactions for red flags and escalate suspicious activity in accordance with AUSTRAC guidelines
- Coordinate personnel due diligence

Operational Oversight:

- Manage Australian aspects of AML workflows across matter intake, onboarding, and ongoing monitoring
- Maintain secure and auditable AML/CTF records, including client verification documents and internal registers
- Assist in drafting and submitting Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs)
- Prepare internal AML/CTF reports for the Management Committee and governing body

Program Development & Evaluation:

- Support the development and continuous improvement of the firm’s AML/CTF Program
- Coordinate independent evaluations every three years and implement recommendations
- Assist in preparing the firm’s annual compliance report to AUSTRAC
- Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends to ensure the AML/CTF Program remains current and effective

Training & Awareness:

- Monitor third-party AML/CTF e-learning course
- Deliver supplemental AML/CTF training to legal and support staff, tailored to designated services and risk profiles
- Track e-learning and supplemental training completion and report on compliance metrics
- Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the Firm

Technology & Innovation:

- Collaborate with IT and compliance teams to implement AML technology solutions (e.g., digital ID verification, automated risk scoring)
- Identify opportunities to streamline AML processes and improve operational efficiency

**Skills and experience**:

- A bachelor’s degree in Law, Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field
- Good experience in AML/CTF or KYC compliance, preferably in legal, financial services, or consulting
- Strong knowledge of the AML/CTF Act, 2025 Rules, and AUSTRAC reporting obligations
- Experience with onboarding, CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, and SMR preparation
- Familiar with legal privilege and confidentiality in a law firm context
- Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Able to manage competing priorities and work independently
- Proficient with AML platforms and tools (e.g., digital ID verification platforms like Equifax, LexisNexis, or GBG; workflow systems like Intapp or iManage)

**About us**:
** About Baker McKenzie Sydney**:
At Baker McKenzie, we are different in the way we think, work and behave. The first local, truly global law firm in Australia, we commenced operations in Sydney in 1964, in Melbourne in 1982 and in Brisbane in 2014. Our lawyers work seamlessly with our global colleagues, collectively providing a capacity of more than 13,000 people, including over 6,500 lawyers who work alongside our clients to drive growth that is both sustainable and inclusive. Baker McKenzie Australia can offer you access to complex, market-leading matters working with some of the world's best legal minds-people who know the law and who understand business.

We have an unrivalled ability to provide training and secondment opportunities across our global netwo