Vanessa McManus
Head Of Legal And Compliance (PCF-12); Head Of AML (PCF-52); Barrister
Dublin
Summary
Legal professional with a documented record of delivering impactful results and driving positive outcomes. Skilled in legal strategy and corporate governance with demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance, AML and corporate and contract negotiation.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Legal and Compliance
HAL Fund Services Ireland Limited
04.2022 - Current
- 20+ years in senior compliance roles within the finance sector including PCF 12 roles;
- Deep knowledge of Irish/EU financial regulations (UCITS, MIFID, AIFMD, CBI requirements);
- Experience with PCF roles and regulatory interactions;
- Developed and maintains comprehensive compliance frameworks, including monitoring plans, policies, procedures, and controls;
- Managed relationships with external counsel across diverse jurisdictions for seamless handling of international legal matters;
- Reduced outside counsel expenses by cultivating strong in-house capabilities and expertise in key areas of law; and
- Professional legal and compliance qualifications obtained.
Head of AML
HAL Fund Services Ireland Limited
04.2022 - Current
- Responsibility for managing the anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (‘AML/CFT’) compliance function in order to address the firm’s money laundering and terrorist financing risks including a) the development and oversight of a robust AML/CFT framework, and b) overseeing the implementation and effective application of AML/CFT systems and controls.
Previously Held Senior Compliance and MLRO Roles
International Investment Management Firm(s) and Global Administrator
2007 - 2022
Education
Professional Diploma in Family Law - Law
The Law Society of Ireland
Dublin, Ireland 04.2001 -
Professional Certificate in Commercial Contracts - Law
The Law Society of Ireland
Dublin, Ireland 04.2001 -
Barrister At Law Degree - Law
The Honorable Society of King's Inns
Dublin, Ireland 04.2001 -
Professional Certificate in Operational Risk - Finance
Institute of Bankers
Dublin, Ireland 04.2001 -
Diploma in Legal Studies - Law
The Honorable Society of King's Inns
Dublin, Ireland 04.2001 -
Professional Diploma in Compliance - Finance
The Institute of Bankers
Dublin, Ireland 04.2001 -
Professional Certificate in GDPR - Law
Institute of Bankers
Dublin, Ireland 04.2001 -
Master of Arts - Accounting And Finance
Technological University of Shannon
Westmeath 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting And Finance
Technological University of Shannon
Westmeath 04.2001 -
Skills
Financial Crime Monitoring;
AML and ABC;
Fraud Prevention;
Compliance monitoring and oversight;
Policy drafting
Contract drafting
Corporate governance
Legal interpretation and adaptation
Timeline
Head of Legal and Compliance
HAL Fund Services Ireland Limited
04.2022 - Current
Head of AML
HAL Fund Services Ireland Limited
04.2022 - Current
Professional Diploma in Family Law - Law
The Law Society of Ireland
04.2001 -
Professional Certificate in Commercial Contracts - Law
The Law Society of Ireland
04.2001 -
Barrister At Law Degree - Law
The Honorable Society of King's Inns
04.2001 -
Professional Certificate in Operational Risk - Finance
Institute of Bankers
04.2001 -
Diploma in Legal Studies - Law
The Honorable Society of King's Inns
04.2001 -
Professional Diploma in Compliance - Finance
The Institute of Bankers
04.2001 -
Professional Certificate in GDPR - Law
Institute of Bankers
04.2001 -
Master of Arts - Accounting And Finance
Technological University of Shannon
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting And Finance
Technological University of Shannon
04.2001 -
Previously Held Senior Compliance and MLRO Roles
International Investment Management Firm(s) and Global Administrator
2007 - 2022