Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 / SMF17) Cryptoasset Firm | FCA Application Stage

Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 / SMF17) Cryptoasset Firm | FCA Application Stage

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
FD Capital Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead compliance for a cutting-edge cryptoasset firm and manage FCA registration.
  • Company: Ambitious cryptoasset business with a focus on innovation and growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid/remote work options, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team and build a compliance function from the ground up.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of crypto compliance and shape the future of the industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience with FCA applications and a strong background in crypto compliance.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Location: London (hybrid) / Remote UK

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Sector: Cryptoassets, Payments, Fintech

Salary: Competitive, DOE

An ambitious cryptoasset business is preparing for FCA registration under the Money Laundering Regulations and a subsequent FSMA authorisation application. They are looking for an experienced compliance leader to own the process and steer them through the gateway.

The role:

  • Lead the firm's FCA cryptoasset MLR registration and FSMA authorisation application end to end
  • Act as named MLRO / SMF16 / SMF17 designate, ready to stand up to the FCA's fit-and-proper assessment
  • Build, review and maintain AML/CFT frameworks, policies and procedures against MLRs 2017 and JMLSG guidance
  • Own the Travel Rule, crypto financial promotions (S21), Consumer Duty and safeguarding requirements
  • Manage the relationship with the FCA directly through to authorisation and beyond

Responsibilities

We'd like to hear from you if you have:

  • Prior FCA-approved SMF16 and/or SMF17 status with a clean approval history
  • Hands-on experience of FCA applications — MLR registration, Part 4A, VoP, or VASP/EMI licensing
  • Genuine cryptoasset or digital-assets compliance experience (not TradFi alone)
  • The credibility and gravitas to lead a growing compliance function as the firm scales

This is a permanent, full-time appointment offering the opportunity to build and lead a compliance function from the application stage upward.

Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 / SMF17) Cryptoasset Firm | FCA Application Stage employer: FD Capital Recruitment

FD Capital is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the FCA authorisation project for a pioneering lending firm in the digital asset space. With a hybrid working model based in London, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside the chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry. The role not only provides immediate engagement but also transitions into a long-term fractional position, ensuring a rewarding career path for compliance professionals looking to shape the future of cryptoasset regulation.

FD Capital Recruitment

Contact Details:

FD Capital Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 / SMF17) Cryptoasset Firm | FCA Application Stage

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 FD Capital Recruitment looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 / SMF17) Cryptoasset Firm | FCA Application Stage

FCA Registration
Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs)
FSMA Authorisation
AML/CFT Frameworks
Compliance Leadership
Cryptoasset Compliance
Financial Promotions (S21)

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 FD Capital Recruitment. 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 FD Capital Recruitment

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 FD Capital Recruitment’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!