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- Tasks: Lead compliance and financial crime programmes, ensuring adherence to FCA regulations.
- Company: Join an innovative fintech with award-winning lending solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay based on skills, flexible contract duration, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fintech space while shaping compliance culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in compliance roles within regulated financial services, especially fintech.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on regulatory excellence and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Contract – 6-12 months depending on the assignment completion.
My client is an innovative fintech with an award-winning lending solution distributed through brokers, direct to business & most recently through embedded finance with E-Commerce and Payment platforms. We are now looking to recruit a Head of Compliance / MLRO to lead the firm’s regulatory compliance framework, ensuring full adherence to FCA requirements under the UK regulatory regime. The role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an effective Compliance and Financial Crime programme, acting as the firm’s primary contact with regulators. A key part of the role is to lead the FCA licence (authorisation) application process, ensuring a successful submission and ongoing regulatory approvals.
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory Governance & FCA Relationship: Lead, prepare, and manage the FCA authorisation/licence application, including drafting regulatory business plans, compliance frameworks, policies, and supporting documentation. Act as the principal point of contact for the FCA, including interactions during authorisation, supervisory visits, and ongoing monitoring. Ensure the firm meets all obligations under the FCA Handbook (e.g., SYSC, SM&CR, COBS, CONC, MLRs, DISP, ICOBS—adjust based on sector).
- Compliance Framework & Oversight: Develop and maintain a comprehensive compliance monitoring plan. Create, update, and implement policies and procedures aligned with regulatory expectations. Oversee regulatory reporting, SM&CR responsibilities, complaints handling, conduct risk, and operational resilience obligations. Conduct internal compliance reviews and prepare management information for governance committees. Serve as SMF17 (MLRO) and SMF16 (Compliance Oversight). Oversee AML/CTF framework, including risk assessments, customer onboarding, transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening. Manage Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and act as the firm’s main liaison with law enforcement and the NCA. Deliver financial crime training across the business. Ensure compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations, JMLSG Guidance, Proceeds of Crime Act, and Sanctions regimes. Maintain and develop the firm’s risk management framework, including risk registers and control assessments. Identify emerging regulatory risks and propose mitigation strategies. Support operational risk, data protection, and governance functions as required.
- Leadership & Culture: Promote a strong compliance culture across the organisation. Provide training and guidance to staff on conduct, compliance, and regulatory expectations. Support the Board and senior management with strategic planning from a regulatory perspective.
Skills & Experience required:
- Experience in fintech / payments / lending / wealth management.
- Proven experience as Head of Compliance, MLRO, Deputy MLRO, or senior compliance manager in a regulated financial services firm.
- Demonstrated experience leading FCA authorisation/licensing applications for a financial services business ideally in the payments space – EMI License.
- Strong understanding of FCA rules and the UK regulatory landscape.
- In-depth knowledge of financial crime regulations, AML/CTF frameworks, and the Money Laundering Regulations.
- Experience operating under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR).
- Excellent stakeholder-management skills, including interaction with regulators and executive leadership.
- Exceptional written skills for drafting policies, regulatory business plans, and FCA application documents.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Other
Industries: Financial Services and Banking
Head of Compliance & MLRO in England employer: CRS
Contact Detail:
CRS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance & MLRO in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Compliance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on FCA regulations and compliance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. Show them you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can navigate them like a seasoned pro!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! As a potential Head of Compliance, you’ll need to demonstrate how you can foster a strong compliance culture. Share examples of how you've trained teams or influenced company policies in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our innovative team in the fintech world.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance & MLRO in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in compliance and regulatory frameworks. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Compliance & MLRO, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since exceptional written skills are a must for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language that reflects your understanding of FCA regulations and compliance documentation—this is your chance to impress us with your writing prowess!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your previous roles in fintech or regulated financial services. We’re particularly interested in your experience with FCA authorisation processes and compliance frameworks, so make sure these stand out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as we look to build a strong compliance culture together!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRS
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the FCA rules and the UK regulatory landscape before your interview. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with compliance but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of concrete examples from your past experience where you've successfully led FCA authorisation applications or managed compliance frameworks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Compliance, you'll need to promote a strong compliance culture. Be ready to discuss how you've trained teams or influenced company culture in previous roles. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved compliance awareness or practices within an organisation.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about their compliance challenges and goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you insight into how you can contribute effectively if hired. It’s a great way to demonstrate your proactive approach!