Financial Crime Risk Manager – 12 month FTC
Leeds, UK
About GoCardless
GoCardless is a global bank payment company that processes over US$130bn+ of payments annually across 30+ countries, helping thousands of businesses collect and send payments through direct debit, real‑time payments and open banking. We use AI‑powered solutions to improve payment success and reduce fraud and provide open banking connectivity to over 2,500 banks.
Role
As the second line of defence (2LoD) subject matter expert, the Financial Crime Risk Manager reports directly to the Group MLRO and plays regional and global responsibilities, building and maintaining effective AML/CTF, ABC and sanctions systems and controls to ensure compliance with laws and regulations in various GoCardless locations. This is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract.
Responsibilities
* Execute the firm’s annual financial crime enterprise‑wide risk assessments, including risk identification, data analysis, inherent risk assessment and control evaluation.
* Closely follow legal, compliance and regulatory developments in AML/CTF, ABC and sanctions in the FinTech industry.
* Draft annual external reports to regulatory authorities and liaise with the FCA, NCA and other agencies.
* Conduct risk assessments for new products, markets and business partnership initiatives.
* Draft financial crime management information and periodic reports to senior management, analysing trends and recommending enhancements.
* Deliver targeted financial‑crime training to the Compliance Operations and Sales teams.
* Advise on CDD escalations based on internal policies and procedures.
* Monitor and respond to AML/sanctions‑related escalations in JIRA.
* Review and approve high‑risk customers at onboarding (e.g., PEPs).
* Review and approve requests for waivers, dispensations and minor policy exceptions.
* Promote a culture of good financial‑crime management across the firm.
* Cover MLRO annual leave and absences.
* Support financial‑crime risk roadmap projects to design and deploy controls over new products, markets and enhancements.
* Provide support to the wider compliance function as needed.
Qualifications
* 5+ years’ experience in financial crime within the 2LoD of an FCA‑regulated financial services firm or consulting.
* Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks, guidelines and requirements across the UK, US, EU, New Zealand, Australia and/or Canada, including FATF, Wolfsberg Group, etc.
* Experience designing internal controls from scratch and driving their implementation, including automation where feasible.
* Experience conducting AML/CTF and sanctions compliance monitoring reviews, including model calibration and validation.
* Exceptional analytical, writing and presentation skills.
* Self‑motivated, hands‑on approach.
Pay and Benefits
Base salary ranges between £46,400 and £58,000, based on role, level and location. Equity may be available to permanent staff. Benefits include dedicated wellbeing support, hybrid working flexibility, parental leave, annual holiday with 3 volunteer days and 4 wellness days, and a work‑away scheme.
EEO Statement
GoCardless is an equal‑opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
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