Risk function

Risk function teams

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  Risk Operations

  The Risk Operations team facilitates client audits and compliance queries while delivering global risk oversight through the management and analysis of risk registers. They provide guidance on background checking and secondment risks, and advise on key strategic projects, ensuring consistent, effective risk management and informed decision-making across the firm’s international operations.

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  Financial Crime and Sanctions

  The Financial Crime and Sanctions team is responsible for ensuring A&O Shearman meets its anti-money laundering, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-fraud and sanctions compliance obligations globally. The team works closely with A&O Shearman’s Business Acceptance Unit, protecting the firm while enabling responsible, compliant client engagement across jurisdictions, sectors and complex legal and commercial environments.

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  Conflicts

  Our Conflicts team works in a fast-paced, global environment and is responsible for identifying and analyzing ethical, legal and commercial conflicts of interest. The team work closely with A&O Shearman’s Business Acceptance Unit to ensure matters are opened in line with best practice, protecting the firm while enabling responsible, compliant client engagement across jurisdictions, sectors and complex legal and commercial environments.

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  Engagement Terms team

  The Engagement Terms team operates in a fast-paced, global environment, working closely with A&O Shearman’s Business Acceptance Unit to ensure every client matter is supported by appropriate, agreed terms. The team leads the negotiation of firm and client terms, managing risk, ensuring compliance, and delivering clarity and consistency that underpin strong, trusted client relationships.

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  Data Privacy

  Our Data Privacy team is responsible for (i) AI governance, (ii) data governance, (iii) leading for Risk on cyber and incident response, and (iv) creating and maintaining the firm’s global data protection compliance framework. These are some of the most significant risks and opportunities in the business.

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  In-House Legal

  Based in Belfast, the team advises the firm globally on complex legal, regulatory, and strategic matters. This includes advising on the firm’s corporate structure, strategic projects and transactions, technology, data, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Our mission is to promote the highest standards of professional conduct and compliance, and to advance the strategic interests of the firm.