Director of Compliance & Risk – Payments / Fintech (EMI)
A high-growth, UK-authorised Electronic Money Institution (EMI) is seeking a Director of Compliance & Risk to lead and scale its compliance function across the UK and Europe.
The business provides multi-currency accounts, cross-border payments, and FX solutions to a global client base and is expanding into new jurisdictions, including digital assets.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who combines strategic oversight with deep technical expertise in payments compliance and financial crime.
The Role
You will own and drive the end-to-end compliance and risk framework, working closely with senior leadership, regulators, and cross-functional teams.
This role requires someone comfortable operating at both board level and operational depth.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory & Compliance
* Act as primary liaison with regulators, managing ongoing communication and supervisory engagement
* Ensure compliance with UK regulatory frameworks (EMRs, PSRs, MLRs, FCA requirements)
* Lead regulatory reporting, horizon scanning, and proactive regulatory engagement
* Own and enhance the financial crime framework (AML, CTF, sanctions, fraud)
* Act as MLRO or work closely with MLRO to oversee financial crime programmes
Risk Management
* Own the enterprise risk framework, including risk appetite and risk register
* Lead financial crime risk assessments and operational risk reviews
* Partner with product and technology teams on new product approvals and risk assessments
* Deliver CEO and Board-level risk reporting and insights
Leadership & Culture
* Build, lead, and develop a high-performing compliance and risk team
* Drive a strong culture of compliance and accountability across the business
* Act as a senior compliance voice with internal and external stakeholders
Operational & Strategic
* Support new market entry, product launches, and strategic initiatives
* Oversee KYC/KYB, transaction monitoring, investigations, and SAR submissions
* Manage external compliance partners (legal, audit, advisory)
* Remain hands-on in complex cases, escalations, and policy development
What We’re Looking For
Experience
* 8–12+ years in compliance/risk within financial services
* 3–5+ years in a senior leadership role within an FCA-authorised EMI or payments firm
* Strong working knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks (FCA, EMRs, PSRs, MLRs, SYSC, JMLSG)
* Proven experience engaging directly with regulators (e.g. FCA)
* Experience leading and scaling compliance teams
Technical Expertise
* Deep expertise in financial crime (AML, sanctions, fraud) and broader risk management
* Strong understanding of payments and the end-to-end customer lifecycle
* Exposure to EU regulation (PSD2, MiCA) is highly desirable
* Experience in crypto/digital assets is a strong advantage
Leadership Profile
* Hands-on operator who can move between strategy and execution
* Confident engaging at CEO and Board level
Please apply if you think suitable.