MLRO (SMF17) | Leading International Bank

MLRO (SMF17) | Leading International Bank

Coopman Search and Selection has been retained by a Leading International Bank headquartered in London, searching for a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) with overall responsibility for the Bank’s financial crime programme. The bank offers a comprehensive range of corporate banking services, combining in-depth local market expertise with a global perspective.

You’ll lead and oversee the financial crime function, working closely with business and operations teams to ensure products and services meet regulatory expectations. The MLRO has a hierarchical reporting line to the UK CEO and Group Head of Compliance. As the MLRO, you will hold SMF17 responsibilities, being responsible for decision-making across the UK Group by applying business knowledge and regulatory and subject matter expertise.

Key Responsibilities of the MLRO;

• Develop and maintain the Bank’s financial crime framework, ensuring it effectively mitigates money laundering, terrorist financing, or other financial crime risks.
• Deliver regular and relevant training on AML, CTF, fraud prevention, and data protection to ensure organisation-wide awareness and adherence.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes, policies and procedures that are current and effective.
• Act as a trusted advisor on all financial crime matters across the organisation.
• Oversee the internal SAR process, assessing internal reports, conducting investigations, and submitting appropriate disclosures.
• Manage sanctions, actioning notifications or directives issued by PRA, FCA, or other relevant bodies and provide clear guidance across business functions.
• Produce the MLRO Annual Report and quarterly performance summaries for presentation to the Compliance and Conduct Committee and the Board.
• Keep senior stakeholders informed of changes in the regulatory landscape and ensure internal procedures reflect any updates.
• Continuously evaluate the Bank’s AML controls, identifying areas for improvement and implementing enhancements as needed.
• Support the broader compliance function by contributing to ad hoc projects.

Key Experience Required of the MLRO;

• Prior experience as a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) or Head of Financial Crime Compliance within the financial services sector, ideally with exposure to emerging markets.
• Previously held the Senior Manager Function (SMF17) or an equivalent regulatory designation.
• Professional qualification, such as the CISI Diploma, AML & Financial Crime professional exams, or equivalent, would be preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK regulatory requirements relevant to the MLRO role, alongside deep expertise in AML, Sanctions, and ABC.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with a proven ability to guide teams and deliver on 2LoD responsibilities.
• A strong track record of engaging effectively with UK regulators.
• Ability to influence and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and executive management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong data analysis capabilities and experience managing regulatory or compliance-related projects.

Interested in hearing more? Please email william.mccoppin@coopman.uk to organise a confidential discussion.

Coopman Search and Selection specialises in compliance, risk, accounting, and finance recruitment. We provide tailored retained, contingent, and interim solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients and candidates. As a proud Certified B Corporation™, we are committed to sustainable growth, balancing purpose and profit while prioritising positive social and environmental impacts for all stakeholders.