Head of Compliance – UK in London

Head of Compliance – UK in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Compliance Professionals

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead compliance for a fast-growing Electronic Money Institution and ensure adherence to UK regulations.
  • Company: Join a leading recruitment specialist for an innovative fintech revolutionising corporate payments.
  • Benefits: Gain deep exposure to a high-growth EMI and shape compliance strategy.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and travel.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of fintech, influencing product development and compliance culture.
  • Qualifications: Must have Head of Compliance experience in an EMI and strong UK regulatory knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

We are a leading UK recruitment specialist working on behalf of a fast-growing Electronic Money Institution (EMI) that is revolutionising how corporate clients move, spend, and manage money internationally — with low fees, maximum ease, and full speed. The business specialises in seamless cross-border payments and innovative financial services tailored exclusively for corporate clients.

As Head of Compliance (London-based), you will lead the international compliance function for the EMI and its associated investment firm activities. This strategic leadership role focuses on enhancing and maintaining robust compliance frameworks and controls to ensure full adherence to UK regulations while enabling compliant business growth in a dynamic fintech environment. You will provide expert regulatory advice, deliver objective challenge, and serve as the primary liaison with the FCA to support scalable, compliant operations.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead a team of compliance specialists advising on UK regulatory requirements for payments and investment activities (including PSR, EMR, MiFID/IFPR, and relevant FCA Handbook sections).
  • Own and evolve the UK Compliance Oversight Programme, policies, frameworks, and documentation to support current and new products (including investment offerings).
  • Develop effective monitoring systems for regulatory risk, compliance, and internal policies.
  • Strengthen the control environment with clear, auditable processes.
  • Build and maintain strong, proactive relationships with the FCA through reporting, responses to information requests, and communication on product changes/notifiable events.
  • Lead regulatory audits and inspections, acting as the main point of contact and subject‐matter expert.
  • Partner with cross‐functional teams to embed regulatory requirements, educate colleagues, and implement risk‐based, well‐documented processes.
  • Produce actionable management information (MI) to enable informed leadership and board decisions.
  • Foster a strong compliance culture and adapt priorities to support evolving business needs.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:

  • Deep exposure to a high‐growth EMI serving corporate clients.
  • Opportunity to shape compliance strategy and influence product roadmap through regulatory horizon‐scanning.
  • A role at the centre of an innovative, mission‐driven fintech organisation.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

  • Strong expertise in UK financial regulation for payments and/or investment firms, with hands‐on experience engaging with the FCA.
  • Proven compliance leadership or advisory background, including designing and challenging processes across multiple products.
  • Passionate about process improvement, problem‐solving under pressure, and delivering with urgency.
  • Excellent communicator and relationship‐builder internally and externally.
  • Excited by the challenges and opportunities of a scaling fintech/EMI focused on making international money movement easier and more affordable for corporate clients.
  • Willing to travel occasionally to support business objectives.

For further information please contact Spencer Evans.

Head of Compliance – UK in London employer: Compliance Professionals

As a leading recruitment specialist for a fast-growing Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and compliance excellence. Employees benefit from deep exposure to the fintech sector, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to shape compliance strategies that directly influence our mission of transforming corporate money management. Join us to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to making international payments seamless and affordable for our clients.

Compliance Professionals

Contact Details:

Compliance Professionals Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance – UK in London

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 Compliance Professionals looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance – UK in London

UK Financial Regulation
Compliance Leadership
Regulatory Risk Monitoring
FCA Liaison
Compliance Framework Development
Process Improvement
Problem-Solving Under Pressure

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 Compliance Professionals. 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 Compliance Professionals

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 Compliance Professionals’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!