Head of Financial Crime - SMF17 in Leeds

Associate Director, Risk, Compliance, Financial Crime and Finance

Head of Financial Crime – SMF17
Sector: Investment Management

Overview

As the Head of Financial Crime you will be responsible for ensuring that the firm complies with its obligations under UK anti‑money laundering (AML), counter‑terrorist financing (CTF), and broader financial crime legislation and regulation. Acting as the firm’s FCA‑approved SMF17, the MLRO will oversee financial crime systems and controls, manage suspicious activity reporting, and provide strategic guidance to the business on mitigating financial crime risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, and maintenance of AML/CTF and financial crime prevention frameworks.
• Provide regular management information and reports to your reporting line, the Board and senior stakeholders.
• Keep up to date with regulatory developments and industry best practices, advising the business on changes.
• Receive, review, and investigate internal suspicious activity reports (SARs), escalating to the National Crime Agency (NCA) as appropriate.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the compliance/financial crime team.
• Deliver AML/CTF training to staff and promote a strong compliance culture across the organisation.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators, law enforcement, and auditors on financial crime matters.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience in a senior compliance monitoring or assurance role within an FCA‑regulated firm, ideally in wealth & investment management.
• Previously held the SMF17 is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence to engage with regulators and senior stakeholders.
• Expert knowledge of UK AML/CTF legislation and FCA regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.

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