Head of Compliance & MLRO (SMF16 & SMF17) | United Kingdom | Remote
Please read before applying
To be considered for this opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:
- Resident in the United Kingdom,
- Eligible and suitable to hold FCA Senior Management Functions SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer),
- Previous experience as an MLRO, Deputy MLRO, Head of Compliance, or equivalent senior compliance leader within a UK regulated financial services business,
- Strong experience engaging directly with the FCA, law enforcement agencies, auditors, and senior management,
- Deep expertise across AML, financial crime, sanctions, compliance monitoring, governance, and regulatory compliance.
Applications that do not meet the above criteria are unlikely to be progressed.
The opportunity:
Global FinTech Talent has been retained on a confidential search for a senior compliance leader to join a rapidly growing financial services business operating across digital payments, financial technology, and regulated financial services.
This is a critical appointment combining both Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer responsibilities for the UK entity.
The successful candidate will take ownership of the firm's UK compliance framework, regulatory engagement strategy, financial crime programme, and governance structure. You will work closely with executive leadership, international compliance teams, regulators, and external stakeholders to ensure the business continues to operate to the highest regulatory standards.
This role offers a rare opportunity to shape and influence compliance strategy at a senior level while operating within a fast-growing, technology-driven environment.
Key responsibilities:
Compliance Oversight (SMF16):
- Own and maintain the UK compliance framework,
- Develop and implement compliance policies, procedures, and controls,
- Lead compliance monitoring and assurance activities,
- Advise senior management on regulatory developments and obligations,
- Present compliance matters to executive and board-level stakeholders,
- Coordinate regulatory audits, reviews, and information requests,
- Build a strong culture of compliance across the organization.
MLRO Responsibilities (SMF17):
- Act as the firm's nominated MLRO,
- Maintain and continuously enhance the AML, CTF, and sanctions framework,
- Review and oversee suspicious activity investigations and reporting,
- Manage SAR submissions and regulatory notifications where required,
- Lead financial crime risk assessments and controls testing,
- Oversee transaction monitoring, customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, and sanctions screening frameworks,
- Act as the primary point of contact for law enforcement and financial crime authorities.
Regulatory engagement:
- Build and maintain effective relationships with UK regulators,
- Support regulatory applications, registrations, and ongoing supervisory engagement,
- Respond to FCA requests, reviews, and information gathering exercises,
- Ensure regulatory reporting obligations are fulfilled accurately and on time.
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience in a senior UK compliance leadership role
- Experience operating within FCA-regulated businesses
- Strong understanding of UK financial services regulation
- Demonstrated success engaging with regulators and external authorities
- Deep knowledge of AML, financial crime, sanctions, and compliance governance
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Comfortable operating autonomously within a fast-paced environment
Highly desirable: Experience gained within one or more of the following sectors:
- FinTech,
- Payments,
- Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs),
- Digital Assets / Crypto,
- Foreign Exchange,
- Banking,
- Regulated Financial Services.
Experience holding, obtaining, or supporting FCA Senior Management Function approvals will be viewed particularly favorably.
Why Apply?
- Senior leadership position with significant influence and visibility,
- Direct interaction with executive leadership and key regulators,
- Opportunity to shape and strengthen a growing UK compliance function,
- High level of ownership and autonomy,
- Fully remote UK-based position,
- Join an ambitious and fast-scaling international financial services business.
If you meet the criteria above and are interested in discussing the opportunity confidentially, we would be pleased to hear from you.
