Senior Compliance Officer / MLRO

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

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced 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), 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

• 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.