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- Tasks: Lead compliance for a FinTech entering the UK market and manage the EMI licence process.
- Company: Join an innovative international FinTech recognised for transforming global payments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of compliance in a fast-paced industry, shaping the future of finance.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in financial services compliance, with experience in e-money or payments required.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a compliance team from scratch and influence company culture.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A international FinTech entering the UK market is searching for a senior compliance leader to lead the EMI licence process and build a UK compliance function that’s fit to scale.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the full UK EMI licence application process with the FCA
- Build and implement a UK-focused compliance framework from the ground up
- Own all risk assessments, policies, and regulatory reporting
- Act as SMF16/17 and main point of contact with the FCA
- Set up AML/CTF controls, monitoring, and training
- Work closely with legal, product, and ops to align compliance with business priorities
- Hire and lead a lean UK compliance team
Required Experience:
- 8+ years in financial services compliance, with at least 3 in e-money or payments
- Held SMF16 and/or SMF17 for a UK-regulated firm
- Led or played a key role in a successful EMI licence application
- Strong working knowledge of FCA requirements for e-money and payment services
- Hands-on experience with AML frameworks, financial crime prevention, and policy design
- Confident working in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment
Preferred:
- Experience scaling compliance in a start-up or high-growth fintech
- Familiarity with transaction monitoring tools and regulatory tech
- Strong written and verbal communication with senior leadership and regulators
Head of Compliance & MLRO employer: Alexander Barnes
Contact Detail:
Alexander Barnes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance & MLRO
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FinTech and compliance sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with others who have experience in EMI licensing and FCA regulations. This can provide you with valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest FCA guidelines and compliance trends specific to e-money and payment services. Subscribe to relevant newsletters or follow regulatory bodies on social media to ensure you're well-informed and can discuss current issues during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills and experience in building compliance frameworks. Think of specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully implemented compliance strategies or led teams, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's products and services before applying. Understanding their business model and how compliance fits into their operations will help you articulate your vision for the compliance function during discussions with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance & MLRO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in financial services compliance, particularly in e-money or payments. Emphasise your roles related to EMI licence applications and any leadership positions you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are the right fit for the Head of Compliance & MLRO role. Mention your experience with FCA requirements and how you can build a compliance framework that aligns with the company's goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Highlight your experience in leading teams and projects, especially in high-growth environments. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed compliance functions and worked cross-functionally with other departments.
Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge: Include specific examples of your hands-on experience with AML frameworks and financial crime prevention. This will show your deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and your ability to implement effective controls.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Barnes
✨Demonstrate Your Regulatory Knowledge
Make sure to showcase your understanding of FCA requirements for e-money and payment services. Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated regulatory challenges or led compliance initiatives.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
As a senior compliance leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build and lead a team. Share your experiences in hiring, mentoring, and developing compliance professionals, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world compliance scenarios. Think about how you would handle risk assessments, policy design, or AML/CTF controls, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
✨Align Compliance with Business Goals
Be prepared to discuss how you can integrate compliance into the broader business strategy. Show your understanding of how compliance can support innovation and growth within the fintech space, and provide examples of past successes.
