At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance efforts and build a cutting-edge compliance function from the ground up.
- Company: Join a high-growth, AI-native fintech backed by top technology investors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a dynamic work environment in Central London.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and growth in a fast-paced, founder-led business.
- Why this job: Shape the future of compliance in fintech while leveraging innovative AI tools.
- Qualifications: Senior compliance experience in FCA-regulated environments and a passion for building systems.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Client
We are partnering with a high-growth, AI-native fintech backed by some of Europe's most celebrated technology investors, built by a team with a track record of creating multi-billion pound businesses in banking and payments. FCA-regulated as an e-money institution. Their early performance has been exceptional and the team is growing fast.
The Role
This is a foundational hire to own compliance end-to-end, reporting to the founders. You will set up the systems, processes, and monitoring from scratch, hold the MLRO responsibility personally, and act as the firm's point of contact with the regulator.
This is a builder's role: the founders want someone who designs a lean, automated compliance function and runs it themselves, leaning on AI tooling rather than headcount. The regulatory environment is well-defined (UK e-money, no crypto or cross-border complexity), so the priority is genuine depth and reliable execution over edge-pushing.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and own the compliance function end-to-end: framework, policies, monitoring, and reporting.
- Act as MLRO, owning financial crime, anti-money-laundering, sanctions, and transaction monitoring.
- Design and implement an AI-native approach to compliance automation, keeping the function lean.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for FCA supervisory engagement.
- Own regulatory reporting and ensure ongoing adherence to FCA requirements as an e-money institution.
- Embed a pragmatic compliance culture across a fast-moving, founder-led business.
- Provide regular compliance and financial crime reporting to the Board.
Essential Experience
- Senior compliance experience within an FCA-regulated payments, e-money, or fintech business.
- Credentials to hold MLRO accountability, with genuine depth of regulatory knowledge.
- A builder mentality: you want to create and automate a function from the ground up, not manage an existing one.
- Active interest in, or use of, AI tooling to automate compliance workflows.
- 10+ years of relevant experience preferred; exceptional candidates with fewer years considered where knowledge and passion are demonstrable.
- Intellectual humility and a sense of humour; comfortable operating lean, without a team beneath you.
Package
- Salary: £120,000 – £160,000 + equity
- Location: Central London; 5 days on-site
- Start Date: ASAP
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 & MLRO | AI-Native Fintech | Backed by Technology Investor Titans | London in City of London employer: Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp
Join a pioneering AI-native fintech in the heart of London, where innovation meets compliance. As a foundational hire, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the compliance function from the ground up, supported by a dynamic team and backed by leading technology investors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and competitive compensation including equity, this role offers a meaningful chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.
Contact Details:
Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team
