Deputy MLRO in London

Welcome to AlRayan Bank UK, the nation’s most successful Sharia‑compliant bank and proud winner of the 2026 HR Brilliance Award for “Best Company to Work For.” AlRayan Bank UK is an extraordinary and flourishing institution that celebrates diversity and values ethics. As a prominent member of the AlRayan Bank Group, we are fuelled by an unwavering ambition for excellence, promising you an exhilarating journey ahead. At AlRayan Bank UK, we embrace change as an opportunity for positive transformation. Currently, our focus lies on building a culture of inclusivity and diversity, creating an environment where every individual's unique perspectives are valued. We understand the importance of work-life balance and flexibility, and we are committed to empowering our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

The Bank is going through the most successful period in its history, and this success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our incredible team. Join us on this exciting venture, where you'll have the chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive and rewarding work environment.

The Deputy MLRO is responsible for supporting the effective operation of the Bank’s Financial Crime Unit (FCU) within the Second Line of Defence (2LoD). The role serves as deputy to the MLRO, acting under delegated authority where appropriate and providing oversight, challenge, and guidance in relation to the Bank’s financial crime framework. The role also supports the MLRO and Head of Compliance in leading the Financial Crime team and ensuring the Bank meets its regulatory, governance, and financial crime risk management obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as key advisory point of contact for the 1LOD in relation to all financial crime matters.
• Co-ordinate and support in the delivery of the Bank-wide financial crime risk assessment.
• Responsible for the maintenance and calibration of the Customer Risk Assessment.
• Responsible for the maintenance and calibration of the Transaction Monitoring System.
• Responsible for the maintenance and calibration of the Customer and Payment Screening Systems.
• Support financial crime regulatory reporting.
• Responsible for the production of financial crime related MI.
• Support in the oversight of financial crime related projects as and when required.
• Support in financial crime horizon scanning activity.
• Act as the MLRO delegate in the absence of the MLRO.
• To support the MLRO in the co-ordination of team deliverables and team strategy.
• Support in the oversight and delivery of the Risk department combined assurance plan.

Qualifications & Experience

• Subject matter expertise on all financial crime topics, trends, and issues including AML, TF, Sanctions, AB&C and Fraud.
• Experience in the calibration and tuning of financial crime systems, including transaction monitoring and customer screening.
• Experience in developing and maintaining financial crime policies, producing management information and delivering concise, insightful reporting and briefing materials for senior management and governance forums.
• Experience in dealing with senior stakeholders including Executives, Directors, and Regulators.
• ICA Diploma in AML or Financial Crime (or equivalent).

Knowledge & Skills

• Analytical, innovative, and enquiring approach and the ability to work autonomously and take initiative where required.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve issues and manage work from inception to completion, prioritising work effectively.
• Analysis and interpretation of Management Information.
• Self-motivated, self-managing with a spirit and a willingness to adapt to changing situations.
• Strong organisational and personal effectiveness skills, including time and project management.
• Excellent oral and written communication, facilitation skills and ability to present confidently and to work effectively with staff and management at all levels and to engage and manage stakeholders, developing effective relationships at all levels.
• Assertiveness and the knowledge, strength and ability to discuss, explain and support a decision, or other role specific matters of a technical nature, to a range of audiences of varying seniority.
• Passionate about delivering to the highest level for internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of appropriate legislation/regulation.
• Ability to cope with a varied workload whilst maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines in a calm, proficient manner and project a professional image at all times.
• IT literate with the ability to effectively use all Bank proprietary systems relevant to the role.

Behavioural Competencies

You will be required to demonstrate our 1Team values and associated behaviours which are outlined below:

• Trusted to do the right thing: To act with total integrity. Put the customer first and stick to our promises.
• Empowered to own: To embrace change, take responsibility and ask for help when needed.
• Able to deliver: To draw on each other’s strengths and believe in ‘no blame’ and ‘no ego’s’. Show resilience.
• Motivated to succeed: To be passionate about our work. Look for opportunities to learn and grow and celebrate each other’s success.

Conduct

We expect staff to follow the standards required by our regulators. At all times:

• Act with integrity.
• Act with due skill, care and diligence.
• Be open and co-operative with regulators.
• Pay due regard to the interests of customers and colleagues and treat them fairly.
• Observe proper standards of market conduct.
• Act to deliver good outcomes for retail customers.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing bank where we can offer exceptional opportunities for you to make your mark and progress your career in a diverse, ethical bank that you can actually believe in. Empowering your career, together we’ll deliver banking you can believe in.