Interim Head of Compliance and MLRO
London | 4–5 days in office | Contract
Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Compliance professional to join a high-growth, innovative financial services business operating at the forefront of digital and alternative assets.
This role will play a critical part in supporting UK regulatory build-out, including leading regulatory engagement and designing a robust compliance framework within a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead regulatory engagement, including managing interactions with the FCA and Bank of England
* Drive and support regulatory authorisation processes, including MiFID permissions
* Play a key role in participation within the Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS), including application processes
* Design, implement and maintain the firm’s compliance and AML/CTF framework
* Act as MLRO, overseeing financial crime controls including KYC, onboarding, monitoring and reporting
* Ensure ongoing compliance with UK regulatory obligations and reporting requirements
* Develop and maintain policies and procedures aligned to UK regulations
* Deliver compliance training and promote a strong risk and compliance culture
* Prepare and present management and board-level reporting
* Oversee compliance monitoring, testing and remediation activities
* Support business continuity and operational resilience frameworks
* Manage third-party onboarding and associated compliance risks
Skills & Experience
* 5–7+ years’ experience within a regulated financial services firm in a senior Compliance or MLRO role
* Strong knowledge of UK regulatory requirements including AML/CTF frameworks
* Experience across KYC, onboarding, risk assessments, transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting
* Prior experience engaging directly with regulators (FCA and/or Bank of England)
* Experience supporting or leading regulatory authorisation processes (MiFID experience advantageous)
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
* Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced, evolving environment
* Previous SMF approval desirable but not essential
* Interest or experience in innovative financial products or emerging asset classes is advantageous
The Opportunity
* Join a forward-thinking, high-growth business at the cutting edge of financial innovation
* Work directly with senior leadership and influence strategic direction
* Play a key role in building and shaping the UK compliance framework from the ground up
* Exposure to innovative regulatory environments and new asset classes
Additional Details
* Contract role
* London-based
* 4–5 days per week in the office
* Day rate / package dependent on experience
#J-18808-Ljbffr