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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial crime compliance, oversee AML/CTF frameworks, and report to the Board.
- Company: Join a well-established international bank with strong global connections.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role while shaping compliance culture.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in financial crime leadership, ideally in banking or regulated sectors.
- Other info: Open to candidates ready for their first approved role; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 210000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: up to £150,000 Base plus bonus and benefits
The Opportunity
A well-established international bank is seeking an experienced MLRO to lead its financial crime compliance function in the UK. This is a senior leadership role with SMF17 responsibility, reporting directly to the Head of Compliance and engaging regularly with executive leadership and regulatory authorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the registered Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17), maintaining oversight of all AML/CTF, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption (ABC), and fraud prevention frameworks.
- Serve as the main point of contact for the National Crime Agency, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement, ensuring timely and accurate suspicious activity reporting (SARs).
- Develop and maintain robust AML and financial crime policies, procedures, and risk assessments in line with UK regulatory expectations and international standards.
- Deliver annual MLRO reporting to the Board and key committees, and oversee completion of regulatory returns (e.g., REP-CRIM).
- Provide expert training to staff at all levels on financial crime obligations and ensure a culture of compliance across the business.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems and controls, proposing enhancements where needed.
- Lead and support internal investigations into financial crime concerns and ensure appropriate remediation actions.
- Deputise for the Head of Compliance when necessary and contribute to broader compliance and regulatory change initiatives.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience in a financial crime leadership role, ideally within banking or a regulated financial institution.
- Deep understanding of UK regulatory requirements, particularly those related to AML/CTF, sanctions, and anti-corruption.
- Experience working with or within emerging markets is highly advantageous.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with senior management and regulators.
- A hands-on, proactive approach and the ability to lead and develop teams effectively.
Why Apply?
- Join a stable, growing institution with strong international links.
- Influence the design and implementation of the firm’s financial crime framework.
- Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership in a high-impact role.
- Hybrid working and a competitive benefits package.
MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance employer: ETRA Talent
Contact Detail:
ETRA Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial crime compliance sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with individuals who are already in similar roles. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulatory changes in AML/CTF and financial crime compliance. Subscribe to relevant newsletters or follow key influencers on social media to demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interviews by practising common questions related to financial crime compliance. Focus on your leadership experience and how you've handled compliance challenges in the past, as this will be crucial for a senior role like MLRO.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific bank you're applying to and understand their current financial crime policies and any recent news. Tailoring your discussions around their practices can show your genuine interest and help you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial crime compliance and leadership roles. Emphasise any previous roles that align with the responsibilities of an MLRO, particularly in AML/CTF and regulatory frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use examples from your past experience to demonstrate your understanding of AML policies and your ability to lead teams effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as stakeholder management, communication, and your proactive approach to compliance. Mention any experience with training staff on financial crime obligations, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Understanding of Regulations: Demonstrate your deep understanding of UK regulatory requirements related to financial crime. Mention any specific regulations you have worked with and how you have ensured compliance in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at ETRA Talent
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with UK regulatory requirements related to AML/CTF, sanctions, and anti-corruption. Being able to discuss these in detail will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of your previous leadership roles, especially in financial crime compliance. Highlight how you've led teams, managed stakeholders, and implemented compliance frameworks effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to handle financial crime concerns or regulatory challenges and be ready to discuss your approach.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As this role involves liaising with senior management and regulators, practice articulating complex compliance concepts clearly and confidently. Show that you can communicate effectively at all levels within an organisation.
