Deputy Head of Financial Crime

About the role

We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Financial Crime to join our Financial Crime Operations team at Pleo. In this role, you'll help safeguard the firm against financial crime risks, lead critical remediation initiatives, and drive control enhancements as we scale our business spend management platform.

Key responsibilities

• Drive compliance oversight and quality assurance, overseeing daily financial crime reports, disclosures, risk assessments, and regulatory outputs while monitoring metrics and KPIs.
• Lead complex remediation and projects, acting as the primary lead for financial crime remediation programs, regulatory look‑backs, control enhancements, and tech integrations from scoping through execution.
• Provide strategic leadership coverage by deputising for the Associate Director during absences and representing the function at executive committees, board meetings, and regulatory engagements.
• Direct team leadership and capability building, coaching the FinCrime Operations team, managing resource planning, talent development, and fostering a high‑performing culture.
• Foster cross‑functional and regulatory relationships, collaborating with internal Risk, Legal, Business units, external auditors, and regulators to embed effective financial crime controls.

Required profile

• Deep financial crime expertise covering AML, CTF, sanctions, ABC, and fraud frameworks within a first‑line‑of‑defence environment.
• Strategic and operational leadership experience with a proven track record of direct team management, coaching, and providing trusted counsel to senior stakeholders and boards.
• Hands‑on remediation and program management experience leading multi‑workstream projects, regulatory look‑backs, and complex control improvements.
• Strong regulatory acumen with experience engaging directly with regulatory bodies and external auditors.
• Data‑driven problem‑solving ability, strong analytical mindset to identify root causes, track KPIs, and optimise operational processes.
• Background in financial services, fintech, or regulated payment institutions with at least 8 + years in financial crime/compliance, including 3 + years in a formal leadership role.

What we offer

• Your own Pleo card for expense‑free spending.
• Catered lunches or lunch allowance on work days.
• Comprehensive private healthcare (options vary by location).
• 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
• Hybrid and fully remote working options.
• Free mental‑health and well‑being support via MyndUp.
• Paid parental leave.