Head of Financial Crime - Crypto

Our client is committed to fostering a safe and compliant environment within the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. The role holder will help build and strengthen our existing AML framework and nurture a talented Financial Crime team, by ensuring compliance with all applicable anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and sanctions regulations within the cryptocurrency and traditional financial sectors.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in financial crime risk management, particularly within the digital asset space, and will be a strategic leader capable of adapting to the dynamic regulatory environment.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Manage the AML/CTF/KYC framework across the Group, working closely with the MLRO/CO in each jurisdiction and the Group Head of Compliance, in accordance with Group guidelines, to ensure its effectiveness.
• Design, implement, and regularly review AML/CTF policies, procedures, and controls, tailored to the cryptocurrency payment industry, ensuring they comply with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and provide guidance to the CDD, Transaction Monitoring, Fraud, and QC teams and processes, ensuring effective operations and compliance.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (legal, compliance, technology, operations, etc.) to ensure AML/CTF objectives are achieved and policies are adhered to.
• Provide expert advice on financial crime matters to senior management and help shape the Group's financial crime strategy.
• Ensure timely identification of regulatory changes related to AML/CTF and implement necessary updates to policies and procedures.
• Develop and deliver AML/CTF training programs for employees at all levels, offering both formal training and informal advice to ensure understanding of current policies and procedures.
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments to identify emerging financial crime risks, and develop and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies and controls.
• Provide regular management information through reports, covering updates to policies and procedures, assessments on their adequacy, breaches/non-compliance, and recommended improvements, including coordinating the production of the annual AML report.
• Create and develop AML management information (MI) & Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), track incidents, and ensure remediation plans are in place and followed.
• Establish and maintain secure archiving systems for AML/CTF documentation and related information.
• Report suspicious transactions to competent local authorities in accordance with local regulations.
• Contribute to the annual risk assessment process for AML/CTF risks to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the Group's exposure to financial crime.
• Perform ad-hoc duties as required to support the AML/CTF program and overall compliance efforts.

So, what are we looking for?

• 5+ years experience in a similar role – ideally in the fintech/payments space, with a proven track record of managing AML/CTF/KYC programs
• Proven experience in developing and implementing financial crime risk management programs
• Excellent attention to detail, with a strong focus on producing high quality work
• Regulatory knowledge and adaptability
• Strong people management and coaching skills to develop and grow an existing team
• Experience in a startup or rapidly growing company
• Demonstrable experience of working with blockchain analytics tools
• Excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills
• Strong ability to write clearly, concisely and accurately for a wide variety of audiences
• Strong collaborator and communicator with the ability to work across multiple geographies and levels of seniority

So, what’s in it for you?

• The chance to operate at the forefront of our industry
• You can talk to anyone in the business as there are no barriers and everyone is accessible
• You will be collaborating with teams on a hybrid working arrangement
• We value team success where every individual can grow and prosper
• 30 days annual leave each year, excluding bank holidays
• 4 wellbeing days per year to prioritise your mental health
• 1 company volunteering day per year
• Strong benefits package including; Private Healthcare, Pension, Income Protection (long-term absence), Life Insurance, Menopause Policy, and an enhanced Parental Leave policy