Head of Compliance in City of London

Head of Compliance in City of London

City of London Full-Time 162000 - 198000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build and own compliance from scratch, ensuring regulatory adherence and financial crime oversight.
  • Company: Join an innovative AI-native fintech start-up backed by top tech investors.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £180,000 plus equity and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Why this job: Lead compliance in a fast-paced fintech and shape the future of financial regulations.
  • Qualifications: Senior compliance experience in fintech with a passion for building and innovating.

The predicted salary is between 162000 - 198000 £ per year.

We're partnering with an AI-native fintech backed by some of Europe's most celebrated technology investors, with a founding team that's built multi-billion pound businesses in banking and payments before. They're hiring a Head of Compliance & MLRO to build their compliance function from the ground up. The business is working towards full FCA e-money institution authorisation, and this hire will own that journey and everything that follows: the framework, the regulator relationship, and financial crime oversight as MLRO.

What you'll do:

  • Build and own compliance end-to-end: policies, monitoring, reporting
  • Act as MLRO, covering financial crime, AML, sanctions and transaction monitoring
  • Lead engagement with the FCA as the business works towards full authorisation
  • Report directly to the founders and the Board

What you'll bring:

  • Senior compliance experience in a regulated payments, e-money or fintech business
  • Ready to hold MLRO accountability, with real regulatory depth
  • A builder, not a maintainer: you want to create a function, not inherit one
  • Comfortable working lean and hands-on
  • Curious about using AI to modernise compliance

Location: London, 5 days on site

Salary: up to £180,000 + equity

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

Head of Compliance in City of London employer: Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp

As a Head of Compliance at this innovative AI-native fintech start-up in London, you will be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration. The company offers a unique opportunity to build the compliance function from the ground up, with direct access to the founders and board, fostering an environment where your contributions are recognised and impactful. With competitive salary packages and equity options, along with a commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, this role promises a rewarding career path in a cutting-edge industry.

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Contact Details:

Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in City of 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 Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in City of London

Compliance Management
Financial Crime Oversight
AML (Anti-Money Laundering)
Sanctions Compliance
Transaction Monitoring
Regulatory Engagement
FCA Authorisation Process

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 Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp. 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 Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp

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 Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!