Head of Compliance and MLRO / DPO (SMF16 and SMF17) - CER Financial in London

Head of Compliance and MLRO / DPO (SMF16 and SMF17) - CER Financial in London

London Full-Time 130000 - 150000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
cer Financial

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead compliance and financial crime frameworks, ensuring adherence to regulations and managing risks.
  • Company: Dynamic bank in the heart of London with a focus on compliance excellence.
  • Benefits: Attractive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to shape compliance strategies.
  • Other info: Opportunity to mentor a team and drive compliance initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in a vital role within the banking sector.
  • Qualifications: Extensive UK banking experience and strong knowledge of compliance regulations required.

The predicted salary is between 130000 - 150000 € per year.

City of London

Permanent £130,000 - £150,000

cer Financial are working alongside a bank, who are based in the City of London. They are seeking a Head of Compliance and MLRO / DPO (SMF16 and SMF17) to work with them on a permanent basis.

The responsibilities of the candidate will include:

  • Develop and maintain the Bank’s Compliance & Financial Crime Framework in line with FCA, PRA, and international standards (e.g. FATF).
  • Ensure adherence to JMLSG guidance, sanctions regimes (OFAC, EU, HMT), and applicable laws.
  • Act as primary liaison with regulators (FCA, PRA, NCA).
  • Advise Senior Management on regulatory changes and business impact.
  • Lead horizon scanning and maintain the Compliance Risk Appetite Statement.
  • Ensure robust frameworks for TCF, conduct risk, and GDPR compliance.
  • Act as MLRO, ensuring full AML/CTF compliance.
  • Oversee AML frameworks (CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions/PEP screening, SARs).
  • Ensure timely SAR submissions to the NCA.
  • Oversee AML risk assessments and remediation.
  • Deliver AML training and awareness.
  • Develop and maintain the Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP).
  • Conduct risk assessments on correspondent banking, high-risk clients, and transactions.
  • Oversee transaction monitoring systems and risk escalation.
  • Serve as Data Protection Officer (UK GDPR, DPA 2018).
  • Act as main contact with the ICO.
  • Oversee DPIAs, RoPA, DSARs, and breach reporting.
  • Ensure governance over third-party data processors.
  • Deliver data protection training and awareness.
  • Present compliance, AML, financial crime, and data protection reports to committees and Board.
  • Escalate material risks and breaches.
  • Prepare Annual MLRO and Data Protection Reports.
  • Support SMCR requirements.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the Compliance team.
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
  • Ensure adherence to internal policies, training, and operational resilience.

The successful candidate:

  • Extensive UK banking experience in compliance, AML, and financial crime risk.
  • Strong knowledge of FCA/PRA rules, AML/CTF, GDPR, and SMCR.
  • Proven experience managing regulatory engagement, audits, and inspections.
  • Experience in Private Banking, Correspondent Banking, or Trade Finance.
  • AML certification (e.g. CAMS, ICA Diploma).
  • Knowledge of operational resilience, ESG, and emerging regulations.
  • Data protection certification (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM).

Head of Compliance and MLRO / DPO (SMF16 and SMF17) - CER Financial in London employer: cer Financial

CER Financial is an exceptional employer located in the heart of the City of London, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong commitment to compliance and financial crime prevention, employees benefit from comprehensive training programmes and the opportunity to lead critical initiatives within the banking sector. The collaborative culture encourages innovation and provides a platform for impactful contributions, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

cer Financial

Contact Detail:

cer Financial Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance and MLRO / DPO (SMF16 and SMF17) - CER Financial in London

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals in compliance and financial crime. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.

Show Off Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your extensive knowledge of FCA/PRA rules and AML/CTF regulations. Share specific examples of how you've tackled compliance challenges in the past to really impress them.

Prepare for the Interview

Do your homework before any interview! Familiarise yourself with the bank’s compliance framework and recent regulatory changes. Prepare questions that show your interest in their operations and how you can contribute to their compliance goals.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also shows your commitment to finding the right fit in the compliance sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance and MLRO / DPO (SMF16 and SMF17) - CER Financial in London

Compliance Framework Development
Financial Crime Risk Management
Regulatory Liaison
AML/CTF Compliance
GDPR Compliance
Risk Assessment
Transaction Monitoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Compliance role. Highlight your extensive UK banking experience and any relevant certifications like CAMS or CIPP/E. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific experiences that relate to compliance, AML, and financial crime risk. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!

Showcase Your Regulatory Knowledge:Since this role involves liaising with regulators, make sure to showcase your knowledge of FCA, PRA, and other relevant regulations in your application. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these waters with ease!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at cer Financial

Know Your Regulations Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in FCA, PRA, and AML regulations. Brush up on the latest changes and how they impact the banking sector. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but also understand their practical implications.

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated compliance challenges or led a team through regulatory changes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your experience effectively.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Compliance, you’ll need to lead and mentor a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve developed others in previous roles. Highlight any training programmes you’ve implemented or how you’ve fostered a culture of compliance within your teams.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the bank’s current compliance challenges or their approach to emerging regulations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.