Financial Crime Analyst Review

I am in customer due diligence. I am responsible for ensuring our customers are who they say they are. I build extensive files on each individual or business and check for any differences in what we know about them versus what is actually found on them. Every customer is unique, making each day different.

Since I began my apprenticeship I have become a lot more confident in speaking up and reaching out when help is needed. I have strengthened my analytical skills as a huge part of the job is analysing information on the customer. I have also improved my presentation skills since I started.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I am on. With my specific programme I will move placements three times so I am able to get a varied insight into financial crime. With each placement different skills and knowledge is required. The college aspect is also interesting and teaches important information for any role within financial crime.

For the college side of the apprenticeship we are given introductory sessions and then given specific sessions on our assignments. There is lots of support should you need it, whether it be from colleagues or coaches from the college. Some parts of the course overlap in time frames, however it is manageable.

Santander are very active in ensuring staff are comfortable and happy. There are regular one to one meetings with line managers as well as apprenticeship managers so you always have the opportunity to raise any queries or concerns should you have any. There are many people you can go to for support, it is not limited to these two people.

The college have coaches in place to offer you one to one support and they schedule in regular meetings to see how you are doing. They hold web sessions where you are briefed on assignments and have things explained clearer. You can always reach out to the college and someone will respond ASAP.

Those who work in financial crime will have an ICA certificate, throughout the apprenticeship you will have assessments and an exam for the qualification. This will provide you with the vital knowledge required for your job. You also have assignments from the college, these also help you understand key information needed for the job.

There is a graduate and apprentice network in place to help all apprentices (no matter the programme) network and socialise. In normal times there are many events held in person, but for now they are online. There are many social clubs you can join to meet new people and have fun.

Yes

Personally, I feel very welcomed to Santander. I had no previous experience in banking or financial crime but they look for someone who is eager to learn no matter the experience. I enjoy the job role I am in and find the college side interesting. Santander do their upmost to ensure staff are happy at work.

Be honest and open. If you don’t have previous experience, use it as a positive that you are ‘blank sheet’. Speak up and reach out during the interview stages to make yourself seen, but if it is a teamwork exercise remember to show that you can listen to others.