At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead FCA authorisation and strengthen compliance policies for a digital asset lending firm.
- Company: Ambitious lending firm in the digital asset space seeking FCA authorisation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and long-term fractional role post-authorisation.
- Other info: Immediate start with a dynamic project that defines the sector's future.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cryptoasset regulation and enhance your compliance career.
- Qualifications: Experience as an FCA-approved SMF16/SMF17 with strong regulatory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London (hybrid — mix of office and home working)
Structure: Full-time initial engagement, reducing to a fractional ongoing arrangement
Start: Immediate
FD Capital is working with an ambitious lending firm operating in the digital asset space — providing lending secured against cryptoassets — as it pursues FCA authorisation. The firm is seeking an experienced compliance professional to lead the authorisation project and stand as its named SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO).
This is a genuinely hands-on mandate with a strong head start: the policy suite is already drafted. Your job is to bring a critical, regulator's eye to it — reviewing and strengthening the policies, procedures, and financial crime framework, and shaping the systems and controls narrative that carries the application. And you will be the individual the FCA assesses — so you must be ready for, and confident in, the Senior Manager fit and proper interview.
The engagement
The structure is deliberately front-loaded. An initial block of full-time work covers the authorisation application, a rigorous review and uplift of the existing policies and procedures, and preparation for FCA engagement. Once the firm is authorised and the framework is embedded, the role reduces to an agreed number of days per week as the ongoing outsourced SMF16/17 — giving you a long-term fractional appointment on the other side of an intensive, well-defined project.
What you'll do
- Lead the FCA authorisation application end to end: permissions scoping, regulatory business plan input, systems and controls documentation, and Connect submission.
- Review, critique, and strengthen the firm's existing compliance policies and procedures — AML/CTF, financial crime, conduct, cryptoasset financial promotions, governance, and the compliance monitoring plan — bringing them to the standard the FCA expects at the gateway.
- Stand as the named SMF16 and SMF17 on the application and represent the firm through FCA assessment, including your own fit and proper interview.
- Post-authorisation, hold both functions on a fractional basis: SAR reporting, regulatory returns, Board MI, training, and day-to-day FCA liaison.
Who this suits
- A current or former FCA-approved SMF16 and/or SMF17 holder with a clean, demonstrable approval history and the credibility to perform strongly in an SM&CR interview.
- Hands-on experience of FCA authorisations — Part 4A applications, VoPs, or cryptoasset/EMI/VASP licensing. If you have taken a firm through the gateway before, this is your mandate.
- Deep knowledge of the UK AML regime (MLRs 2017, JMLSG, POCA), SM&CR, and the FCA's expectations of cryptoasset businesses.
- A sharp critical reviewer: you can take an existing policy suite, find its weaknesses before the regulator does, and defend the finished framework at the gateway.
- Available to commit meaningful full-time capacity immediately, with interest in a lighter-touch ongoing appointment thereafter.
- London-based or within easy reach — the role is hybrid, with regular time in the firm's London office alongside home working.
Why now
The UK cryptoasset regime is being written as we speak, and firms crossing the perimeter now will define the sector's first generation of authorised businesses. Getting a crypto-collateralised lender through the FCA gateway is exactly the kind of mandate that headlines a senior compliance CV.
We are moving quickly — interviews are being scheduled now.
Senior DirectChief Compliance Officer & MLRO Designate (SMF16 & SMF17) — FCA Authorisation Mandate | Digital Asset-Backed Lendingor Finance in London 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 values hands-on engagement and professional growth, allowing for a meaningful impact on the evolving cryptoasset sector while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic. The role not only provides immediate challenges but also paves the way for long-term fractional engagement, making it an attractive prospect for compliance professionals seeking to shape the future of finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior DirectChief Compliance Officer & MLRO Designate (SMF16 & SMF17) — FCA Authorisation Mandate | Digital Asset-Backed Lendingor Finance 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 FD Capital Recruitment looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior DirectChief Compliance Officer & MLRO Designate (SMF16 & SMF17) — FCA Authorisation Mandate | Digital Asset-Backed Lendingor Finance 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 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!
