At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance for UK credit products and shape regulatory frameworks in a fast-paced fintech.
- Company: Join Cleo, a dynamic tech startup backed by top VC firms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Supportive culture with clear progression plans and regular team socials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on compliance in a growing fintech environment.
- Qualifications: Significant compliance experience in UK financial services, ideally in fintech.
The predicted salary is between 116000 - 145000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a UK Credit Compliance Lead to join Cleo’s Legal, Compliance & Policy team in a pivotal role focused on building and leading our UK new credit products compliance program. This role focuses on ownership of UK regulated products, shaping frameworks, processes, and governance to support growth.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Take ownership over the UK compliance program ensuring it is fit for a growing fintech, aligns with regulatory expectations, business strategy, and product expansion.
- Own Compliance for UK Credit and other regulated products advising on FCA rules and broader regulatory requirements across the product lifecycle.
- Manage FCA engagement and regulatory relationships as primary contact for UK regulatory matters, including interfacing with the FCA and supporting regulatory queries, examinations, and investigations.
- Maintain regulatory authorisations and reporting obligations overseeing ongoing compliance obligations tied to existing UK authorisations.
- Support new licences and regulatory approvals partnering with Legal, Product, and business stakeholders to support applications for new licences and permissions.
- Provide AML and financial crime leadership supporting UK AML compliance requirements, advising on relevant regulations, financial crime controls, and governance.
- Partner cross‑functionally to embed compliance translating regulatory requirements into practical, scalable processes and controls.
- Drive compliance risk management and issue resolution identifying, assessing, and escalating compliance risks, supporting investigations and remediation.
- Help shape the future of the function contributing to the growth of Cleo’s broader international compliance capabilities, building processes, improving governance, and managing at least one direct report as the program expands.
What We’re Looking For
Must‑Have
- Significant compliance experience within UK financial services, ideally in a fintech or fast‑paced regulated environment.
- Ability to serve as SMF 16 and SMF 17 for UK Cleo.
- Strong working knowledge of the FCA regulatory framework and experience supporting or leading compliance for UK regulated products.
- Hands‑on experience maintaining regulatory authorisations, managing FCA reporting obligations, and supporting ongoing regulatory compliance requirements.
- Experience working directly with the FCA during regulatory reviews, examinations, investigations, or other supervisory interactions.
- Experience supporting or leading applications for new licences, permissions, or authorisations, ideally including consumer credit or related regulated activities.
- Ability to balance regulatory rigour with commercial pragmatism.
- Strong judgment, ownership, and communication skills, with the ability to operate independently and influence senior cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Experience building or maturing compliance programs, frameworks, policies, and controls in a scaling business.
Nice‑to‑Have
- Prior experience as SMF 16 or SMF 17 or in a deputy role with direct relevant experience.
- Experience in a startup or high‑growth fintech environment.
- Experience building a compliance program or function with a high degree of autonomy.
- Strong knowledge of AML and financial crime compliance requirements, with experience as an MLRO or comparable senior AML‑focused role.
- Prior people‑management experience, or readiness to lead and develop at least one team member.
- Familiarity with product development processes and advising on compliance considerations for new products.
- Relevant compliance certifications or professional qualifications in compliance, AML, or financial crime.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package (base + equity) with bi‑annual reviews and alignment to quarterly OKRs.
- Fast‑growing tech startup backed by top VC firms.
- Clear progression plan supporting leadership, ownership, and impact.
- Flexibility and hybrid options for London and remote staff, with travel cost coverage.
- Generous 6‑month company performance reviews and pay increases for high performers.
- Equity top‑ups for promoted team members.
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (plus an additional day for every year with Cleo, up to 30 days).
- 6 % employer‑matched pension in the UK.
- Private medical insurance, dental cover, and life assurance.
- Enhanced parental leave and a 1‑month paid sabbatical after 4 years.
- Regular socials and activities, both online and in‑person.
- OpenAI subscription and online mental health support via Spill.
- Workplace Nursery Scheme.
Compensation Range
United Kingdom: £116,000 – £145,000 gross annually (final compensation determined based on experience).
Welcoming Everyone
We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, parents, carers, and people from lower socio‑economic backgrounds. If there’s anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.
Director of UK Compliance employer: cleo
Cleo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation within the fintech sector. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive compensation, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Cleo provides its team members with the tools and support needed to thrive in their careers. The company's flexible working arrangements and generous benefits package, including equity options and enhanced parental leave, make it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of UK Compliance
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like cleo looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of UK Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at cleo. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at cleo
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with cleo’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
