About the role
As Mercuryo’s Head of Compliance and MLRO (UK), you will be responsible for carrying out the vision and mission for the team as the company continues to scale, working closely with key stakeholders in Financial Crime Compliance Operations, Legal, Risk, Product, Engineering, and other functional areas to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Your Role
* Develop, implement, and maintain the firm’s compliance framework in accordance with FCA requirements (e.g. Payment Services Regulations 2017, Electronic Money Regulations 2011, MLRs 2017, Consumer Duty).
* Act as the primary point of contact with the FCA and other relevant regulators.
* Ensure timely and accurate regulatory reporting (e.g. RegData returns, notifications, Connect system).
* Provide regulatory advice to senior management and the Board on applicable laws, rules, and guidance.
* Construct, review, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and processes.
* Implement Horizon Scanning processes and keep stakeholders informed of any changes expected.
* Ensure controls are in place to adequately oversee and monitor any Agent and Distributor relationships.
* Maintain oversight of enterprise risks, risk registers, incident reporting, operational resilience, outsourcing oversight and operational risk.
* Conduct compliance reviews, perform compliance monitoring and surveillance to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
* Provide regular internal management information on compliance related activities, including compliance governance packs.
* Manage the process for and report SARs for Mercuryo.
* Act as the point of contact for compliance advisory tickets and requests, ensuring a risk‑based and balanced approach.
* Manage escalation, root cause analysis, and remediation of financial crime compliance breaches.
* Implement risk‑based monitoring and assurance programs on core oversight activities – KYC/B, transaction monitoring, screening, complaints, customer outcomes, outsourcing, financial promotions, etc.
* Work on compliance operations such as gifts and entertainment registration, regulatory reporting, conflicts management, EDD sign‑off, quality assurance, and testing.
* Provide KYB and client due diligence advisory and act as an escalation point regarding Mercuryo’s risk appetite.
* Assist in development and delivery of compliance training to the organization.
* Ensure compliance remains at the forefront of good product development and governance.
* Support the development and maintenance of the UK compliance program, including Consumer Duty, AML, Fraud, regulatory, and risk enhancements.
What We're Looking For
* Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a regulatory, law enforcement, e‑money, payment services, crypto, consultancy, or retail banking environment—or a similar regulatory background.
* Experience as a Head of Compliance or MLRO, or the ambition to step into such a role from a Senior Manager or Deputy MLRO position.
* Comprehensive compliance generalist experience across Policy & Procedure development, Risk Assessment, Assurance, Advisory, and Oversight within all financial crime areas, as well as regulatory compliance, consumer protection, data protection, and risk.
* A keen eye for detail and the ability to confidently challenge business units and advise on solutions.
* Hands‑on experience designing and implementing Regulatory and Financial Crime Compliance and Operational programs around consumer protection, regulatory compliance onboarding, CDD, transaction monitoring, and screening.
* The ability to build strong relationships, make impactful contributions, and influence business strategy.
* Fluency in English (written and verbal).
What We Offer
* Competitive market‑rate salary and performance‑based incentives.
* 22 days annual leave with an additional 6 company days, plus bank holidays.
* Comprehensive health insurance plans.
* Maternity and paternity leave support.
* Extensive benefits program.
* Flexible work schedule and remote work options.
* Modern offices and co‑working spaces across 6 countries.
* Working equipment.
* Professional development and training opportunities.
* Opportunity to shape the initiatives you’re working on.
* Diverse and friendly team.
* Open‑mindedness to new ideas.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Mercuryo is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing employees with a progressive and open‑minded work environment. Employment decisions are based on business needs and individual merit, without regard to race, colour, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Mercuryo is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the application process for qualified individuals with disabilities.
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