Head of Compliance & MLRO (SMF16/17)

About the role

The firm is an FCA‑regulated institutional financial services provider seeking a senior leader to own its compliance programme and money‑laundering reporting function. Reporting to senior management, you will act as the primary liaison with the FCA and other regulators while shaping a robust financial‑crime framework.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the firm’s compliance framework in line with FCA Handbook requirements, Conduct Rules and SM&CR.
• Provide independent oversight and challenge across all business activities, advising the Board on regulatory developments.
• Lead the compliance monitoring programme, ensure timely remediation of findings and drive regulatory change initiatives.
• Act as the nominated MLRO, overseeing AML, CTF, sanctions and financial‑crime controls.
• Conduct firm‑wide financial‑crime risk assessments and manage escalation of suspicious activity reports.
• Ensure effective customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence and ongoing transaction monitoring.
• Manage external reporting obligations to the National Crime Agency and maintain strong relationships with the FCA.

Required profile

• Significant experience in FCA‑regulated environments, preferably within wholesale or institutional markets.
• Deep knowledge of SMF16 (Compliance) and SMF17 (MLRO) responsibilities.
• Proven ability to influence senior management and Board members on regulatory matters.
• Commercially minded with a strong understanding of financial‑crime risk management and governance.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary range of £90,000‑£140,000 per annum.
• Leadership role within a dynamic, globally‑focused financial services firm.
• Opportunity to shape the compliance and financial‑crime strategy at senior level.