Alexander Barnes is leading a confidential search for a Head of Financial Crime & Fraud Risk with a globally regulated FinTech.
The role spans the entire AML organisation, with visibility at the board level - with a core focus on global AML, fraud, and risk management frameworks.
The scope is both strategic and hands on, but ultimately responsible for shaping and directing outcomes.
* Lead and expand the bank’s 1LoD financial crime and fraud risk functions
* Own global oversight of AML, KYC, sanctions, screening, fraud detection, and transaction monitoring (internal and vendor-delivered)
* Drive intelligence-led investigations and data-driven risk assessments across multiple jurisdictions
* Embed financial crime controls into product and market launches, balancing speed and safety
* Partner with executives, investors, and regulators to provide clear risk insight and assurance
* Identify weaknesses across systems, vendors, and processes; deliver enhancements that stand up under scrutiny
Who we're searching for:
* 10+ years in financial services with deep technical expertise across AML, fraud, and financial crime
* Proven track record scaling and optimising global financial crime operations in a high-growth FinTech or digital bank
* Demonstrated impact leading 1LoD operations and closing complex regulatory issues
* Deep knowledge of UK financial crime and fraud regulation, with hands-on experience running AML,
* KYC, sanctions, monitoring, and fraud operations across retail and business lines.
* Proven track record in risk assessment, control design, and remediation - able to test, evidence, and strengthen frameworks under regulatory scrutiny.
* Strong grasp of both traditional and emerging financial products, and how their risk exposures shape AML and fraud controls.
* Experience managing outsourced partners and cross-border teams, with accountability for outcomes
* Confident facing off against regulators, auditors, boards, and investors
* Data-driven mindset with strong analytical ability - able to design and test controls with measurable impact
* Low-ego, high-performance operator comfortable balancing detail with strategy
* FCA certification, and preferred if some experience in FCA (or similar regulator institute)
* Worked in a high growth Fintech
This is a pivotal opportunity to lead from the front: building global controls, shaping strategic direction, and being a visible figure across regulatory, board, and investor discussions.
The successful candidate will combine technical depth with commercial pragmatism, setting the tone for financial crime risk in one of the most ambitious digital FinTechs.