Head of Compliance and MLRO (UK)

About Brite Payments

Founded in 2019, Brite Payments is a Swedish fintech and a leader in Instant Account-to-Account (A2A) payments. With connections to over 3,800 banks, Brite enables consumers to pay directly from their bank account (Pay by Bank) in real-time. With no signup or card details required, users authenticate using their bank’s usual ID method, which is convenient, secure, and provides merchants with fast fund settlement, zero chargebacks, and reduced costs. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Brite operates across 27 European markets, utilising local payment rails, open banking, and our own proprietary infrastructure, Brite Instant Payments Network (IPN).

What You Will Do

The Head of Compliance and MLRO (UK) role will support the ongoing development and operation of Brite Payments Limited’s UK compliance framework. The role sits within the second line of defence and supports the business in identifying, assessing and managing regulatory and financial crime risks associated with the firm’s UK regulated payment services and open banking activities. This position is based in the UK and offers a hybrid working model. As the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) at Brite, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing our UK-based anti-money laundering and sanctions programs, ensuring compliance with local regulations and Brite's policies. Collaborating with the UK management and Compliance teams, along with the group MLRO at our Swedish headquarters, your responsibilities will include managing AML and sanctions activities, identifying suspicious transactions, and ensuring adherence to FCA and other regulatory frameworks.

• MLRO & Financial Crime Leadership

Act as Brite’s registered UK MLRO, serving as the primary point of contact for the FCA, law enforcement, and external audits. Oversee, refine, and continuously improve UK AML/CTF, sanctions, fraud, and anti-bribery programs. Lead internal investigations, manage suspicious activity detection, and ensure compliant, timely SAR filings. Manage UK customer onboarding (CDD/EDD), transaction monitoring frameworks, and maintain top‑tier QA on outsourced anti-financial crime operations.

• Regulatory Compliance & Governance

Lead responses to regulatory requests, formal reviews, and proactive ongoing engagement with the FCA. Monitor the UK regulatory horizon, assess and translate prospective changes into practical business guidance. Coordinate and prepare UK regulatory reporting obligations, providing regular risk assessments to the Board and senior management.

• Policies, Controls & Operational Resilience

Draft, review, and maintain practical compliance policies aligned with risk appetite. Implement robust internal compliance monitoring, control testing activities, and remediation tracking. Oversee third‑party risk, incident management, and cloud‑based outsourcing arrangements in line with UK regulatory obligations.

• Advisory & Compliance Culture

Provide daily compliance guidance to Product, Operations, and Legal teams to embed compliance into workflows. Lead financial crime awareness and general compliance training across the UK team to foster a proactive risk culture.

• Essential Qualifications & Experience

5+ years of experience operating as an MLRO within an FCA‑regulated financial institution; experience within an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) or digital payment services provider strongly preferred. Robust hands‑on experience managing customer onboarding (CDD/EDD), transaction monitoring, AML, sanctions, and financial crime compliance processes. Deep understanding of UK financial services regulations applicable to EMIs, payment services, and Open Banking. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

• Desirable

Direct experience supporting formal reviews, requests, and ongoing interactions with the FCA. Familiarity with UK operational resilience, business continuity, and third‑party outsourcing requirements relevant to payment services and EMIs. Experience with compliance monitoring, control testing activities, and a strong understanding of safeguarding frameworks or PSD2.

• Key Competencies & Attributes

Exceptional written and verbal English communication skills, with proven ability to deliver compliance details concisely to non‑compliance stakeholders. Highly organized, adept at managing competing priorities, working independently, and meeting tight deadlines. A collaborative team player with strong stakeholder management skills, balanced with the judgment required to challenge the business appropriately. Commercially aware and comfortable navigating the rapid shifts and fast growth of a scaling fintech environment.

What we offer

An optimistic, caring, and inclusive culture where you can be yourself. A dynamic, fast‑paced, and innovative environment, with the chance to join one of Europe’s hottest fintechs and learn from industry leaders. The opportunity to make an impact from day one in an organisation that values quick decision‑making, teamwork, and results over titles. Exposure to a variety of verticals and use cases for our payments products, working with some of the fastest‑growing businesses in Europe. An annual well‑being and professional development allowance to invest in your personal growth. A team of fun, skilled professionals committed to making a lasting impact.

Equal Opportunities

Brite Payments Limited is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Important Regulatory Note

As Brite Payments Limited is authorised as an Electronic Money Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, individuals performing certain controlled responsibilities may be subject to FCA fit and proper assessments applicable to Electronic Money Institutions.