At a Glance
- Tasks: Support client risk oversight and ensure compliance with financial crime regulations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading financial services firm.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, competitive pension, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that values growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial crime compliance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in AML/KYC and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Compliance Specialist supports the Client Risk Oversight team by providing Second Line of Defence (2LoD) oversight, quality assurance and challenge across client onboarding, ongoing monitoring and the financial crime framework. The role reviews KYC/CDD/EDD activities, supports high-risk client oversight, control testing and compliance reporting, helping ensure First Line activities align with IFX policies, risk appetite and regulatory requirements. Working closely with senior team members, the role provides oversight of higher-risk corporate, institutional, fintech, PSP, EMI and intermediary client relationships while developing technical expertise within a 2LoD environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Second Line Oversight & Challenge
- Provide independent 2LoD review and challenge of 1LoD KYC, onboarding and ongoing monitoring activities.
- Assess KYC/CDD files, client risk ratings, ownership structures, screening results and source of funds/wealth to ensure financial crime risks are appropriately identified and mitigated.
- Identify control weaknesses or inconsistencies, escalate where required, and ensure activities align with IFX's risk appetite, policies and regulatory expectations.
- Quality Assurance – 1LoD Activities
- Conduct QA reviews of onboarding and periodic review files to verify documentation, AML/KYC compliance, risk assessments and screening quality.
- Document evidence-based findings, identify recurring issues and recommend improvements to control effectiveness.
- Support remediation tracking and contribute to QA management information, reporting on outcomes, trends and exceptions.
- Enhanced Due Diligence & High-Risk Case Support
- Review high-risk client onboarding, ongoing monitoring and EDD cases, assessing ownership, business models, jurisdictional exposure and source of funds/wealth.
- Prepare clear risk summaries, recommendations and supporting rationale for senior review and governance.
- Escalate material risks or out-of-appetite concerns and maintain audit-ready records of decisions and follow-up actions.
- Intermediary, Fintech & Higher-Risk Client Oversight
- Support onboarding and ongoing oversight of intermediary, fintech, PSP, EMI and other higher-risk client relationships.
- Review client AML frameworks, governance, due diligence standards and operational controls to assess financial crime risk.
- Document findings, recommend risk mitigations and monitor agreed remediation or ongoing oversight actions.
- Control Testing & Framework Assurance
- Perform control testing across the financial crime framework to assess the effectiveness of 1LoD and 2LoD controls.
- Document testing outcomes, findings, root causes and recommended corrective actions.
- Support thematic reviews and identify opportunities to strengthen policies, procedures and monitoring controls.
- Escalations, Reporting & Governance Support
- Prepare evidence-based risk summaries, escalation papers and governance materials for senior management and committees.
- Produce management information on QA outcomes, remediation, control issues and emerging financial crime risks.
- Support suspicious activity assessments and reporting in line with internal governance and regulatory requirements.
- Policy, Procedure & Continuous Improvement
- Support the development and enhancement of AML/KYC policies, procedures, QA frameworks and control documentation.
- Provide feedback to improve operational effectiveness and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and risk appetite.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of regulatory or framework changes.
- Training & Advisory Support
- Provide day-to-day AML/KYC compliance advice and guidance to operational and business teams.
- Support the delivery of training and awareness on financial crime risks, including sanctions, PEPs, EDD and higher-risk indicators.
- Promote a strong compliance culture while escalating complex or higher-risk matters where appropriate.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build effective relationships across 1LoD, 2LoD and business functions while maintaining independent oversight.
- Communicate findings, recommendations and risk issues clearly and professionally to stakeholders.
- Support timely resolution of issues and remediation activities, exercising sound judgement on escalation where necessary.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Essential
- Experience in AML/CTF, financial crime compliance, KYC/CDD/EDD and client risk assessments within a regulated financial services environment.
- Strong knowledge of sanctions, PEP and adverse media screening, financial crime risks, and risk-based decision-making.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and written communication skills, with the ability to identify control weaknesses, manage competing priorities and produce clear, evidence-based documentation.
- Desirable
- Experience in a Second Line of Defence (2LoD) compliance, QA, assurance or financial crime oversight role.
- Exposure to higher-risk client types, including corporate, institutional, fintech, PSP, EMI, MSB and intermediary relationships, with experience in EDD and high-risk reviews.
- Knowledge of compliance monitoring, control testing, governance reporting, remediation tracking and risk appetite frameworks.
Benefits
We believe great people do their best work when they feel supported, rewarded, and empowered to grow. That’s why we offer a benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, finances, and life outside of work.
- Time to Recharge
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Holiday loyalty scheme rewarding long-term service
- Work abroad scheme for added flexibility
- Financial Wellbeing
- Competitive pension scheme via salary exchange
- Annual discretionary bonus scheme (eligible after probation)
- Financial education, planning & coaching platform
- Interest-free Season Ticket Loan for London travel
- Salary exchange nursery fee scheme
- Health & Wellbeing
- Life Insurance
- Healthcare platform including:
- Cashback on dental, optical & physio
- Virtual GP access
- Mental health and stress support helplines
- Additional wellbeing resources
- Family & Lifestyle Support
- Enhanced parental leave
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible benefits that support everyday life
- Growth & Career Development
- Career development and progression tools
- Opportunities to grow within a fast-scaling international business
- A Great Team Culture
- From sporting events and pub nights to seasonal celebrations and socials, we make time to connect and celebrate together.
Diversity & Inclusion
We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success. We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, identity or experiences. By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting equity, we aim to create an environment where all employees can perform and reach their full potential.
What’s next?
We will review your application and come back to you as soon as possible. You must be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this position. Full background checks will be carried out on all successful candidates.
Compliance Specialist - Client Risk Oversight Team in London employer: IFX Payments
IFX Payments is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant Greater London area, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes career development opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow within the fintech sector while engaging with a diverse range of clients in the CFD and Forex markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Compliance Specialist - Client Risk Oversight Team 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 IFX Payments looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Compliance Specialist - Client Risk Oversight Team 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 IFX Payments. 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 IFX Payments
✨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 IFX Payments’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
