At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance strategy and regulatory engagement in a fast-paced fintech environment.
- Company: High-growth fintech firm at the forefront of digital payments and crypto.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity participation, and strong benefits with hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performing compliance team in a scaling business.
- Why this job: Shape compliance strategy and influence business growth in a dynamic sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in SMF16/SMF17 roles within FCA-regulated firms is essential.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Sector: FinTech / Payments / Crypto
Type: Permanent
Salary: £200,000-£250,000 + Equity + Benefits
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a high-growth, venture-backed fintech and payments business operating at the forefront of digital assets and next-generation payments infrastructure. With rapid expansion across the UK and international markets, the business is now seeking a Chief Compliance Officer (SMF16 / SMF17) to take full ownership of compliance strategy and regulatory engagement.
The Role
This is a board-facing, SMF-level appointment, where you will lead the compliance function end-to-end, ensuring the business operates within FCA frameworks while enabling continued commercial growth. You will play a critical role in shaping regulatory strategy across both payments and crypto products, building a scalable, forward-thinking compliance environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO) responsibilities
- Lead and evolve the firm's compliance and financial crime frameworks
- Act as the primary point of contact with the FCA and relevant global regulators
- Oversee AML, KYC, sanctions, and transaction monitoring controls
- Advise the Board and executive team on regulatory risk and compliance strategy
- Support product innovation and market expansion from a regulatory perspective
- Build and scale a high-performing compliance and financial crime team
What We're Looking For
- Currently hold or have previously held SMF16 and/or SMF17 within an FCA-regulated firm (essential)
- Strong experience within fintech, payments, and/or crypto / digital assets
- Deep understanding of FCA regulation, EMI/PI frameworks, and financial crime compliance
- Experience operating in a high-growth or scaling environment
- Commercially minded, with the ability to balance risk, regulation, and growth
- Credible senior stakeholder engagement experience, including Board-level interaction
Why Join?
- Senior leadership role with significant influence on business strategy
- Exposure to both regulated payments and crypto ecosystems
- Opportunity to build and shape compliance in a scaling business
- Competitive salary, equity participation, and strong benefits
- Hybrid working model based in London
If you are an experienced SMF16 / SMF17 leader looking to take on a high-impact role within a fast-moving fintech environment, we’d be keen to connect.
Chief Compliance Officer - CCO - SMF16 SMF17 in London employer: Cast UK/ Dcoded
Contact Detail:
Cast UK/ Dcoded Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Compliance Officer - CCO - SMF16 SMF17 in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the fintech and compliance space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with SMF16 and SMF17 roles. Share specific examples of how you've navigated compliance challenges in fintech or crypto. This will show them you're the real deal!
✨Leverage LinkedIn
Make your LinkedIn profile shine! Update it with your latest achievements and skills relevant to compliance in fintech. Engage with posts from companies you're interested in and connect with decision-makers. It’s all about getting noticed!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being seen by the hiring team. Let’s land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Compliance Officer - CCO - SMF16 SMF17 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with compliance and regulatory frameworks, especially in fintech and crypto. We want to see how your background aligns with the SMF16 and SMF17 responsibilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your previous work in compliance and how you've successfully navigated regulatory challenges in high-growth environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Chief Compliance Officer, you'll be leading a team and advising the Board. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and any successful strategies you've implemented in past roles that demonstrate your ability to drive compliance forward.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows us you're serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cast UK/ Dcoded
✨Know Your Regulations Inside Out
As a Chief Compliance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of FCA regulations and compliance frameworks. Brush up on the latest updates in financial crime compliance, AML, and KYC processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules but can also apply them strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading a high-performing compliance team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully built and managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in engaging with senior stakeholders and how you’ve influenced compliance strategy at a board level.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world compliance scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in high-growth environments. Prepare to discuss how you balanced regulatory requirements with business growth, especially in fintech or crypto contexts.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s mission and values, especially their approach to innovation in payments and digital assets. Be ready to articulate how your vision for compliance aligns with their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.