Financial Crime Risk Lead

At Ecology, we dare to be different. We're dedicated to building a greener society by providing mortgages for properties and projects that respect the environment and support sustainable communities, funded through our range of simple, transparent savings accounts. The Ecology team is ambitious, dynamic, and driven by our collective goal to build a greener future, and we are currently looking for a Financial Crime Risk Lead to strengthen our financial crime framework, protect our Members, and ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

This is a key second-line role, providing specialist oversight, insight and challenge to ensure the Society continues to meet our regulatory and legislative obligations and maintains strong defences against money laundering, fraud and other financial crime risks. You will be a visible, trusted expert within the Society, blending regulatory insight, analytical strength and collaborative leadership.

As our Financial Crime Risk Lead, you will:

• Oversee the ongoing development and enhancement of our financial crime capability, ensuring we stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats.
• Act as Ecology’s subject matter expert in AML, KYC, sanctions, fraud and financial crime prevention, including supporting the MLRO.
• Own and maintain the Society-wide Financial Crime Risk Assessment, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending control improvements.
• Build and promote a financial crime-aware culture across the Society through training, awareness materials and cross-team engagement.
• Maintain our financial crime policies, ensuring they remain compliant and reflect best-practice guidance.
• Conduct high-quality reviews and oversight of first-line financial crime activity, ensuring effective controls and sound documentation.
• Investigate suspicious activity and, where appropriate, submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in accordance with regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality investigation and documentation.
• Liaise with law enforcement and other relevant agencies where necessary, supporting information requests or investigations.
• Produce insightful management information and reporting for senior leaders and committees.

We are looking for someone with:

• At least 3 years’ experience in a second line financial crime or AML role within an FCA-regulated firm (ideally including mortgage and deposit-taking environments).
• Strong working knowledge of UK AML, KYC, sanctions, and fraud requirements.
• The ability to interpret regulation on and blend it with practical business needs.
• High-quality communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Experience improving processes and driving efficiency.
• An ICA Certificate in Financial Crime Prevention (or equivalent).

About our Benefits:

• Salary: We’re committed to paying our people fairly for the role they undertake and are an accredited Living Wage employer.
• Holiday: You’ll get 25 days plus Bank Holidays, and after a qualifying period you’ll be able to purchase up to an additional 5 days leave.
• Pension: We’ll contribute 8% into your pension and you’ll contribute a minimum of 1%.
• Performance Related Pay: After a qualifying period, you’ll be included in our discretionary performance related pay scheme.
• Develop and Grow: We’ll support your development and growth in your role and career.
• Wellbeing: Employees have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, with a range of health benefits and support to suit your lifestyle.
• Life Insurance: We will provide death-in-service life insurance of 4 x your basic contractual salary.
• Community Days: We encourage our colleagues to take 3 days paid leave to support community and environmental initiatives aligned to our mission.
• Free Parking/ EV Parking: Our office has a fully equipped kitchen and shower facilities.
• Modern Sustainable Office: Our office space exhibits our passion for sustainability and the environment.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community, where you can belong and succeed as your whole self. We value diversity in terms of gender, race, age, faith, disability, and sexual orientation but also in personality and thinking style. We see the uniqueness you’ll bring to us as a real source of strength.

Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application.