MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance
MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

Full-Time 90000 - 210000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial crime compliance and oversee AML/CTF frameworks in a senior role.
  • Company: Join a well-established international bank with strong global connections.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on financial crime policies while collaborating with executive leadership.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in financial crime leadership, ideally in banking or regulated institutions.
  • Other info: Open to candidates ready for their first approved role; previous SMF17 experience is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 210000 £ per year.

A well-established international bank is seeking an experienced MLRO to lead its financial crime compliance function in the UK. This is a senior leadership role with SMF17 responsibility, reporting directly to the Head of Compliance and engaging regularly with executive leadership and regulatory authorities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as the registered Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17), maintaining oversight of all AML/CTF, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption (ABC), and fraud prevention frameworks.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for the National Crime Agency, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement, ensuring timely and accurate suspicious activity reporting (SARs).
  • Develop and maintain robust AML and financial crime policies, procedures, and risk assessments in line with UK regulatory expectations and international standards.
  • Deliver annual MLRO reporting to the Board and key committees, and oversee completion of regulatory returns (e.g., REP-CRIM).
  • Provide expert training to staff at all levels on financial crime obligations and ensure a culture of compliance across the business.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems and controls, proposing enhancements where needed.
  • Lead and support internal investigations into financial crime concerns and ensure appropriate remediation actions.
  • Deputise for the Head of Compliance when necessary and contribute to broader compliance and regulatory change initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

  • Significant experience in a financial crime leadership role, ideally within banking or a regulated financial institution.
  • Deep understanding of UK regulatory requirements, particularly those related to AML/CTF, sanctions, and anti-corruption.
  • Experience working with or within emerging markets is highly advantageous.
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with senior management and regulators.
  • A hands-on, proactive approach and the ability to lead and develop teams effectively.

Why Apply?

  • Join a stable, growing institution with strong international links.
  • Influence the design and implementation of the firm’s financial crime framework.
  • Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership in a high-impact role.
  • Hybrid working and a competitive benefits package.

MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance employer: ETRA Talent

As a leading international bank based in London, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored training programmes and opportunities for advancement, particularly in senior leadership roles like the MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance. With a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a robust benefits package, we offer a rewarding environment where you can make a significant impact while collaborating with executive leadership and regulatory authorities.
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Contact Detail:

ETRA Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the financial crime compliance sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role and the organisation. Building relationships can often lead to referrals or insider information about the job.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest UK regulatory requirements related to AML/CTF and financial crime. Being well-versed in current regulations will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. As this is a senior role, showcasing your ability to lead effectively and develop a culture of compliance will be crucial in impressing the hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the bank's existing financial crime policies and any recent news related to their compliance efforts. This knowledge will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and show that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the position.

We think you need these skills to ace MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) experience
AML/CTF compliance knowledge
Understanding of sanctions and anti-bribery regulations
Financial crime risk assessment skills
Regulatory reporting expertise
Stakeholder management
Strong communication skills
Training and development capabilities
Transaction monitoring system evaluation
Internal investigation leadership
Proactive problem-solving
Team leadership and development
Knowledge of UK regulatory requirements
Experience in emerging markets

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance position. Familiarise yourself with key terms like AML/CTF, SARs, and SMF17 to demonstrate your knowledge in your application.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in financial crime compliance and leadership roles. Emphasise any previous work with regulatory bodies or in banking, and ensure you showcase your understanding of UK regulatory requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for financial crime compliance. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed compliance frameworks or led teams in the past.

Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, be sure to illustrate your strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively liaised with senior management or regulators, as this is crucial for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at ETRA Talent

✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape

Familiarise yourself with UK regulatory requirements related to AML/CTF, sanctions, and anti-corruption. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.

✨Showcase Leadership Experience

Prepare examples of your previous leadership roles, particularly in financial crime compliance. Highlight how you've led teams, managed stakeholders, and implemented compliance frameworks effectively.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to handle suspicious activity reports or lead investigations, and be ready to discuss your approach.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

As this role involves liaising with senior management and regulators, practice articulating complex compliance concepts clearly and concisely. Show that you can communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation.

MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance
ETRA Talent
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  • MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

    Full-Time
    90000 - 210000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-05-18

  • E

    ETRA Talent

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