At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Compliance, Financial Crime, and AML frameworks while collaborating with senior management.
- Company: Join a prestigious UK Banking Group focused on compliance excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and significant regulatory influence.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Step into a high-impact role shaping compliance and financial crime strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in Compliance, AML, and Financial Crime Risk Management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Head of Compliance & MLRO / DPO
- SMF16 & SMF17 | Banking
We are working with a UK Banking Group that is looking to appoint a high-calibre Compliance professional ready to take the next step in their career and move into their first Head of Compliance position.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Compliance Manager, Deputy Head of Compliance, Compliance Director or experienced MLRO who is ready to take on broader responsibility, greater senior stakeholder exposure and a formal leadership position across Compliance, Financial Crime and AML.
The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, Board, Risk Committee and senior management, providing independent regulatory oversight and playing a key role in shaping and developing the firm's Compliance and Financial Crime framework.
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership opportunity where you will have the opportunity to build on your existing experience and step into a role with significant regulatory responsibility and influence.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the firm's Compliance, Financial Crime and AML frameworks.
- Work closely with the CEO, Board and Risk Committee on regulatory and compliance matters.
- Assume responsibility for the SMF16 Compliance Oversight and SMF17 MLRO functions, subject to FCA approval.
- Develop and oversee AML/CTF programmes, including CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions and SAR reporting.
- Provide regulatory advice to senior management and the Board on regulatory developments and business initiatives.
- Lead regulatory horizon scanning and assess the impact of regulatory change on the business.
- Develop and maintain the Compliance Monitoring Plan.
- Oversee financial crime risk assessments and the effectiveness of associated controls.
- Take responsibility for the organisation's Data Protection framework and UK GDPR compliance.
- Oversee DPIAs, data subject rights requests, data breaches and third-party data processors.
- Prepare and present Compliance, AML, Financial Crime and Data Protection reports to senior management, the Risk Committee and Board.
- Prepare the annual MLRO report and relevant regulatory reporting.
- Support the organisation's SMCR framework and Senior Manager Conduct Rules.
- Lead and develop the Compliance function, helping to embed a strong culture of regulatory compliance and financial crime risk management.
- Who We're Looking For
This role would suit an ambitious Compliance professional who is ready to step up into their first Head of Compliance position.
You may currently be working as a
- Senior Compliance Manager
- Deputy Head of Compliance
- Compliance Director
- Senior Compliance Officer
- MLRO / Deputy MLRO
- Financial Crime Compliance professional with broad regulatory experience
You should have
- Strong experience across Compliance, AML and Financial Crime Risk Management within UK banking or financial services.
- A solid understanding of FCA, PRA, AML/CTF, UK GDPR and SMCR requirements.
- Experience engaging with regulators and supporting or managing regulatory reviews and inspections.
- The confidence to work with senior stakeholders and provide credible regulatory challenge.
- Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ambition and capability to take ownership of a broader Compliance function and develop into a senior regulatory leader.
Previous experience holding SMF16 and SMF17 is advantageous but is not essential, provided you have the relevant experience and are capable of obtaining the necessary FCA approvals.
Experience within Private Banking, Correspondent Banking or Trade Finance Compliance would be beneficial.
Professional qualifications such as CAMS, ICA or equivalent are desirable. Experience or qualifications in Data Protection would also be advantageous.
Head of Compliance & MLRO in London employer: ETRA Talent
ETRA Talent is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in the heart of London, offering employees the chance to thrive in a collaborative environment focused on compliance excellence. With a commitment to professional development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement, ensuring our team members are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of financial regulations while contributing to the commercial success of our institutional markets. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and integrity in the financial sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance & MLRO 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 ETRA Talent looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance & MLRO in London
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 ETRA Talent. 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 ETRA Talent
✨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 ETRA Talent’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
