About the role
We are a fast-growing Alternative Payment Method (APM) provider a global footprint across India, the Middle East, Europe and South America, preparing for expansion into the UK. Our mission is to build secure, seamless, and accessible digital payment infrastructure across borders.
We are seeking an experienced and FCA-competent Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to lead our financial crime framework as we establish and scale our Payment Services Provider (PSP) operations in the UK.
Role Summary
This role is responsible for ensuring full compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations (MLR 2017), Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), Terrorism Act, PSD2/PSRs 2017, and all relevant FCA expectations around anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), sanctions, fraud, and suspicious activity reporting.
As the MLRO you will oversee the entire financial crime programme, and ensure the business meets its regulatory obligations while supporting commercial growth in a safe, controlled manner.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory & Reporting
Act as the FCA-approved SMF17 MLRO and primary liaison with the FCA and NCA.
Receive, assess, and escalate internal Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs); file SARs to NCA as required.
Maintain the firm's AML/CTF risk assessments, policies, procedures, systems, and controls (Financial Crime Framework).
Ensure the firm meets ongoing regulatory obligations under the FCA Handbook (SYSC, MLRs, JMLSG guidance).
AML/CTF Programme Management
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of AML/CTF policies, customer due diligence (CDD), EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and fraud detection processes.
Approve high-risk customers, jurisdictions, and escalations involving unusual or complex activity.
Oversee onboarding controls for merchants, partners, PSP agents, and high-risk sectors.
Maintain an up-to-date Business-Wide Risk Assessment (BWRA) and Customer Risk Assessment models.
Monitoring, Testing & Assurance
Conduct regular thematic reviews, AML audits, and control testing to ensure effectiveness and regulatory alignment.
Report regularly to the Board on financial crime risks, remediation, breaches, and SAR metrics.
Oversee quality assurance across KYB/KYC files, enhanced due diligence cases, and monitoring alerts.
Training & Culture
Deliver AML/CTF training for all staff, tailoring material for high-risk teams (e.g., onboarding, operations, fraud).
Drive a strong compliance and risk-aware culture across the organisation.
Governance & Documentation
Own and maintain the AML Policy, CTF Policy, Sanctions Policy, Fraud Prevention Policy, and associated SOPs.
Maintain audit-ready records, governance packs, Board papers, and MLRO annual reports.
Ensure timely reporting of breaches, near misses, and regulatory notifications.
Partnerships & External Engagement
Work with legal, risk, technology, and operations teams to embed AML controls in product and workflow design.
Coordinate with external auditors, banking partners, and regulatory bodies.
Oversee vendor management for AML tools (transaction monitoring, screening, KYB/KYC platforms).
Required Experience & Qualifications
Experience
Minimum 5+ years' experience in AML/CTF leadership within a regulated environment: PSP, EMI, fintech, payments, or banking.
Strong understanding of UK payment services, merchant acquiring, card schemes, and cross-border payments.
Prior experience acting as MLRO or Deputy MLRO, ideally FCA approved.
Proven experience interacting with regulators.
Demonstrated success building AML frameworks and owning compliance programmes in fast-paced environments.
Technical Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of:
FCA Handbook (SYSC, PSR, COND)
Money Laundering Regulations 2017
JMLSG Guidance
POCA, Terrorism Act, sanctions regime
PSD2 / UK Payment Services Regulations
Experience with AML systems: transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, KYB/KYC, fraud tools.
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and investigative skills.
Excellent judgement in risk-based decision making.
Ability to communicate complex issues to the Board and regulators.
High integrity, independence, and discretion.
Ability to influence stakeholders in commercial and technical teams.
Education & Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field.
Professional certifications preferred: ICA, ACAMS, STEP, or equivalent.