At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial crime compliance strategy and ensure risk-based client onboarding.
- Company: Respected international real estate firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a focus on professional development.
- Other info: Inspire a high-performing team and drive a culture of integrity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial crime compliance in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in financial crime compliance, ideally in real estate.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
THE COMPANY: We are partnering with a highly respected international name in the real estate and property sector. Operating across both residential and commercial markets, they are known for delivering best-in-class client experiences through robust governance and a collaborative, forward-thinking culture. They are now looking for a strategic, commercially minded Head of CDD and EDD to lead their financial crime compliance function globally.
THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Leadership: Define and drive the financial crime compliance strategy across all service lines, ensuring full alignment with the firm’s business objectives and risk appetite. Act as a trusted advisor to Senior Leadership and Partners on financial crime risk, client risk, reputational issues, and emerging threats. Provide thought leadership and champion innovation — actively exploring and implementing new technology to enhance efficiency, risk management, and client outcomes.
- Regulatory & Risk Management: Own global oversight of Financial Crime risks, including AML, CTF, Sanctions, Fraud, Anti-Bribery & Corruption, and Tax Evasion. Serve as the recognised Subject Matter Expert (SME) for CDD and EDD across the business. Ensure robust, proportionate, risk-based client onboarding, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring processes.
- Operational Oversight: Develop, implement, and continuously improve CDD, EDD, and Screening frameworks, policies, and controls. Lead end-to-end customer lifecycle management, including Advisory and Ongoing Screening. Partner effectively with business units to embed financial crime prevention into daily operations without creating unnecessary friction.
- People & Culture: Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team of financial crime specialists across the UK and India. Drive talent development, succession planning, and knowledge sharing. Champion a firm-wide culture of integrity, ethical conduct, and proactive risk management.
- External & Client Advisory: Act as a trusted advisor to clients on financial crime compliance within the real estate sector. Support complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions and help clients effectively manage their financial crime risks. Deliver training, seminars, and briefings on regulatory developments and best practice.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Significant senior leadership experience in financial crime compliance, ideally gained in real estate, property investment, or broader financial services. Strong track record in CDD, EDD, and managing complex, high-risk customer relationships. Deep knowledge of the UK, EU, and global regulatory landscape (FCA, HMRC, FATF, OFAC, etc.). Expert understanding of AML/CTF, Sanctions, Anti-Bribery & Corruption, Fraud, Tax Evasion, and Market Abuse risks — with particular focus on the real estate sector. Experience leading teams across multiple locations (UK + offshore) is highly advantageous.
Head of CDD and EDD employer: Compliance Professionals
Contact Detail:
Compliance Professionals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of CDD and EDD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend events related to financial crime compliance. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with CDD and EDD in detail during interviews. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic leadership and operational oversight skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note that reiterates your interest in the role and how your background aligns with their needs. It shows you're genuinely keen on joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people in our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of CDD and EDD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of CDD and EDD role. Highlight your experience in financial crime compliance, especially in real estate or property investment. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
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 strategic leadership and how you've successfully managed financial crime risks in the past. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Thought Leadership: In your application, don’t forget to mention any innovative solutions or technologies you've implemented in previous roles. We love candidates who can think outside the box and drive change in financial crime compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compliance Professionals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of financial crime compliance, especially in the real estate sector. Understand the key regulations like AML, CTF, and how they apply to the company's operations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've previously defined and driven compliance strategies. Think about times when you've aligned compliance with business objectives and how that supported growth. This role is all about strategic leadership, so demonstrating your experience in this area will be crucial.
✨Be a Team Player
Since you'll be leading a team across different locations, it's important to highlight your experience in managing diverse teams. Share stories that showcase your ability to inspire and develop talent while fostering a culture of integrity and proactive risk management.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company’s challenges and opportunities in financial crime compliance. This could include inquiries about their current strategies or how they plan to innovate in the future. It shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.