Financial Crime Compliance Specialist London

Capital on Tap started because small businesses were underserved. Big banks were slow, their products weren’t fit for purpose, and small business owners often couldn’t access what they needed. We set out to fix that. Today we’re a financial platform – not just a credit card company. We offer a best-in-class business credit card, SME-focused spend management platform, a savings product that hit £1 billion in funds within its first year, and a growing suite of tools and financial products that make running a small business easier. We have over 1,000 employees, £20bn in annual card spend, 200,000+ customers, and 17,000+ Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.7 stars. We’re profitable and just getting started!

This role is part of the Financial Crime Compliance team and will work from our London (Moorgate) office three days a week.

The Financial Crime function is responsible for the ongoing management of the company’s Financial Crime policies, procedures and controls. This includes risk assessment and ongoing assurance of AML compliance, business advisory and management of high risk customer and suspicious activity escalations.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will sit in the 2nd line Financial Crime Compliance team, operating independently from the 1st line FinCrime Operations team. Your job is to provide oversight, challenge, governance and handle escalations from 1st line that may result in reporting and/or offboarding decisions.
• Support the Head of FinCrime in owning and running Capital on Tap’s compliance monitoring programme, designing thematic reviews and control tests that assess whether 1st line financial crime controls are working as intended.
• Maintain and develop AML/CTF policies, procedures, and risk appetite standards – drafting updates in response to regulatory change, monitoring findings, QA output, and internal audit recommendations.
• Support the completion of the business-wide Financial Crime Risk Assessment (FCRA), identifying areas of emerging risk and recommending proportionate controls.
• Review internal UAR referrals from 1st line and other business areas, challenging quality and supporting the MLRO on whether external disclosure to the NCA is appropriate.
• Act as the 2nd line subject matter expert for complex financial crime escalations – including PEPs, sanctions, adverse media, complex ownership structures, and high‑risk onboarding – providing a governance view rather than making operational decisions.
• Produce management information and compliance reporting for senior leadership and relevant governance committees.
• Support horizon scanning activity, translating regulatory change into practical impact assessments for the business.
• Coordinate with internal teams on law enforcement enquiries and partner bank requests, ensuring appropriate documentation and oversight.

Required skills

• At least 3 years operating in a 2nd line financial crime or AML compliance function within a regulated UK financial services firm, particularly focusing on business customers.
• Demonstrable experience designing or running a compliance monitoring or control testing programme – not just participating in one.
• Strong working knowledge of the UK Money Laundering Regulations 2017, JMLSG guidance, and POCA – applied in practice, not just in theory.
• Experience contributing to or owning a financial crime risk assessment at a business or product level.
• Ability to review SAR quality and challenge 1st line decision‑making – SAR writing experience is useful context but not the primary requirement.
• Comfortable presenting findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders and governance forums.
• Sharp analytical thinking and clear written communication – you will be writing reports and policy documents that the business acts on.
• Comfortable working independently and challenging the business constructively when controls fall short.

Nice to have skills

• Strong presenting skills, able to break complex subject matter down into simple terms.
• Experience with SQL and strong Excel skills.
• Appropriate industry accreditation such as ICA Diploma or ACAMs.

Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome, consider and encourage applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusivity. Join us in creating a space where authenticity thrives and everyone can do their best work.

Great Work Deserves Great Perks

We provide a range of benefits to support you and your family, including:

• Private healthcare including dental and opticians services through Vitality.
• Worldwide travel insurance through Vitality.
• Anniversary rewards (£250, £500, £750 and a 4‑week fully paid sabbatical).
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme up to 7% match.
• 28 days holiday (plus bank holidays).
• Annual learning and wellbeing budget.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Six free therapy sessions per year.
• Dog‑friendly offices.
• Free drinks and snacks in our offices.