MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance (London Area)

Job Title: MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

Location: London (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Permanent

Salary: up to £150,000 Base plus bonus and benefits

** Previous SMF17 experience is advantageous but not essential – the client is also open to considering candidates ready to step into their first approved role **

The Opportunity

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.