Global Fintech | London | £70,000 - £80,000 per annum | Hybrid Role
* Position: Head of Compliance
* Location: City of London (Hybrid – 2 days onsite)
* Reports to: CEO (with direct statutory access to the Board of Directors)
* Requirements: Proven experience as MLRO within a UK FCA-regulated EMI or Fintech.
* Relocation: Candidates must be based in the UK with the right to work
* Note: This is a high‑level "Group" role combining MLRO, Head of Compliance, and Group Financial Crime oversight across the UK, Canada, and emerging markets.
Overview
Satāya is representing a high‑growth Fintech client in the search for a strategic and commercially aware Head of Compliance & MLRO. Our client is a high‑growth technology company enabling global finance, payments, and commerce opportunities. They provide a single access point that empowers individuals and businesses to operate globally by building best‑in‑class financial solutions that remove barriers to growth and mobility.
Scope of Role
This position combines the full responsibilities of the Head of Compliance & MLRO. The successful candidate will develop, implement, and oversee strategies to mitigate fraud and financial crime risks, providing second‑line oversight for compliance teams across multiple international jurisdictions.
1) Regulatory & Statutory Oversight
* Act as the appointed MLRO for the UK entity (FCA), liaising directly with the NCA and FCA on SARS/STRs.
* Serve as the primary designated contact for the FCA for all compliance and supervisory matters.
* Maintain a regulatory obligations register containing all requirements of EMRs, PSRs, and FCA rules.
* Oversee safeguarding obligations and ensure strict compliance with CASS 15 requirements.
2) Financial Crime & Risk Management
* Own the Financial Crime Risk Management Framework, covering AML/CFT, ABC, and Sanctions.
* Manage the Risk Assessment Matrix for cross‑border transactions involving diverse global corridors.
* Oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD/EDD), PEP/Sanctions screening, and Transaction Monitoring systems.
* Manage the Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) decision‑making process for filings across all active markets.
3) Strategy, Governance & Emerging Tech
* Monitor evolving FCA requirements regarding cryptocurrency and virtual assets, including Travel Rule compliance.
* Set clear compliance objectives and support the "three lines of defence" model and risk management.
* Prepare and present Management Information (MI) reports to the CEO, Board Risk Committee, and Executive Team.
* Ensure third‑party API/SaaS partners meet rigorous financial crime standards and oversee company‑wide AML/CFT training programmes.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a strategic advisor who can collaborate across the organisation to optimise the customer onboarding experience through subject matter expertise in compliance software.
* Experience: Previous tenure as an MLRO or Head of Compliance within a UK FCA‑regulated EMI, Payments institution, or Fintech is essential. Experience in North American (MSB) or emerging markets is highly advantageous.
* Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of cross‑border payment operations, international money transfer corridors, and banking.
* Regulatory Mastery: Detailed knowledge of the FCA Handbook (SYSC, FC, SUP) and JMLSG guidance.
* Crypto Proficiency: Ability to articulate compliance requirements for cryptocurrency and the FCA’s specific position on virtual assets.
Why Our Client
Our client is at the forefront of "open borders" for finance. By joining the team, you will be instrumental in building a borderless ecosystem for global mobility. You will have the autonomy to shape a robust compliance framework in a fast‑scaling, high‑tech environment that values innovation, regulatory integrity, and the removal of global financial barriers.
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