Senior Compliance Officer / MLRO

On-site | UK | Full-time (Hybrid/Remote - Office located in London) | UK Residence is a must

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Compliance Officer, MLRO & DPO to lead our regulatory compliance, financial crime risk management, and data protection functions for our FCA-regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI).

The successful candidate will hold a triple-mandate responsibility: acting as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), Chief Risk & Compliance Officer (CRCO), and Data Protection Officer (DPO). You will be the primary guardian of our operational integrity, ensuring full adherence to FCA regulations, UK GDPR, and global AML/CTF standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Oversight & Liaison (CRCO & MLRO)

• Central Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for the FCA, NCA, ICO, and law enforcement agencies.

• Regulatory Intelligence: Monitor and analyze new developments (FCA Handbook, PSRs/EMRs, Consumer Duty) and implement necessary changes to business activities.

• Board Advisory: Provide strategic advice to the Executive Board and CEO on regulatory obligations, escalating material breaches or significant financial crime risks promptly.

• Reporting: Prepare and submit quarterly Regulatory Assurance Reports, the Annual MLRO Report, and all required EMI-specific disclosures.

2. Risk Management & Governance

• Framework Ownership: Design and maintain the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management (ERM) program, Risk Appetite Statement, and Risk Register.

• Internal Controls: Proactively identify operational, safeguarding, and conduct risks. Conduct annual Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSA).

• Product Compliance: Approve new products and initiatives using "Compliance by Design" principles, ensuring all marketing and client agreements meet FCA standards.

• Reporting Metrics: Collect and analyze KRIs and KPIs, maintaining a comprehensive Incidents Log to evaluate non-compliance risks.

3. AML/CTF & Financial Crime Prevention (MLRO)

• Program Management: Build and oversee the AML/CTF framework, including PEPs, Sanctions, and Transaction Monitoring policies.

• SAR Management: Act as the nominated officer for receiving, assessing, and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the NCA.

• High-Risk Oversight: Sign off on Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) and onboarding decisions for high-risk customers.

• Monitoring & Calibration: Oversee Transaction Monitoring system thresholds, quality-assuring alerts and managing account suspensions.

4. Data Protection & Privacy (DPO)

• GDPR Compliance: Monitor adherence to the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

• Privacy Tools: Maintain the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA), data mapping, and conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).

• Rights Management: Lead the response to Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and manage data breach handling/notifications to the ICO.

• Third-Party Risk: Review cross-border data transfers (SCCs) and conduct compliance audits of third-party data processors.

5. Training, Audit & Culture

• Educational Leadership: Deliver firm-wide training on AML, SAR processes, data privacy, and the firm’s compliance culture.

• Monitoring Plan: Execute the Compliance Monitoring Plan, including internal audits and testing of control effectiveness across all departments.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Finance, or Business. Professional certifications (CAMS, ICA, or CIPP/E) are highly desirable.

• Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of senior compliance experience within a UK FCA-regulated financial institution (EMI, PI, or Bank).

• Regulatory Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, FCA Specialist Sourcebooks, and UK GDPR.

• Leadership: Proven track record of interacting with the FCA/NCA and reporting directly to a Board of Directors.

Key Competencies

• Risk-Based Decision Making: Ability to make critical decisions in high-pressure, complex regulatory scenarios.

• Tech-Savvy Approach: Proficiency with compliance tools (e.g., Sumsub, LexisNexis, ComplyAdvantage) and transaction monitoring systems.

• Analytical Excellence: Strong ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable operational procedures.

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for regulatory reporting and internal stakeholder management.

Why Join Us?

• High-Impact Role: A visible, senior position where you shape the compliance DNA of a growing EMI.

• Dynamic Environment: Work with a forward-thinking team committed to innovation and client protection.

• Professional Growth: Support for ongoing training and specialized certifications.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with seniority and experience.

• Flexible/Hybrid working arrangements.

• Comprehensive benefits package and performance-based bonuses tied to Compliance KPIs.

Note: Only UK-based applications will be considered for this role. Successful candidates must pass enhanced background and credit checks.