Compliance Specialist
Location: City of London
Term – months
Contract – Outside of IR35
Start: ASAP
Rate : £ Daily
Role Overview
The FX Compliance Specialist will ensure that the brokerage's FX trading and client-related activities comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. The role will focus on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) requirements, client onboarding and due diligence, regulatory reporting, and conduct oversight, with particular emphasis on retail and institutional FX brokerage services.
Specialist Areas with Compliance Required
* Transactional Monitoring
* Onboarding
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee client onboarding, conducting robust KYC/AML checks, sanctions screening, and enhanced due diligence where required.
* Monitor FX transactions and client activity to detect and escalate suspicious behaviour in line with AML/CTF regulations.
* Ensure compliance with global and local regulatory frameworks relevant to FX brokerage (e.g., FCA, CySEC, ASIC, NFA, ESMA, MiFID II).
* Maintain and enhance policies, procedures, and controls to mitigate compliance and conduct risks across the brokerage.
* Conduct trade surveillance to detect potential market abuse, unfair pricing practices, or client detriment.
* Prepare and submit regulatory reports (e.g., Suspicious Activity Reports, transaction reporting, best execution reports).
* Liaise with regulators, auditors, and external advisors during inspections, audits, and reviews.
* Provide training to front office, client support, and operations teams on AML, market conduct, and regulatory requirements.
* Assist the MLRO in investigating and filing suspicious activity reports (SAR/STRs).
* Track and interpret regulatory developments affecting the FX brokerage industry and communicate implications to stakeholders.
Key Skills & Competencies
* Strong understanding of retail and institutional FX brokerage models, including CFDs, margin trading, and online platforms.
* In-depth knowledge of AML/CTF frameworks, sanctions regulations, and client due diligence processes.
* Familiarity with transaction monitoring, surveillance, and regulatory reporting tools.
* Strong analytical and investigative mindset with attention to detail.
* Excellent communication skills with ability to explain regulatory requirements to non-compliance staff.
* Ability to balance commercial awareness with regulatory obligations.
* Highly organized and able to manage multiple compliance priorities.
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Law, or related field.
* 1–3+ years of compliance/AML experience within an FX brokerage, financial services firm, or regulator.
* Previous exposure to retail FX/CFD products and brokerage operations preferred.
* Professional certifications such as ICA, ACAMS, or equivalent highly desirable.
* Strong knowledge of relevant regulatory environments (e.g., FCA, CySEC, ASIC, ESMA, NFA).