At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee compliance processes and ensure financial crime controls are effective.
- Company: Join a dynamic financial services firm committed to compliance excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, competitive pension, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team culture with great growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial crime compliance while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in AML/Financial Crime Compliance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Compliance Specialist to join IFX’s Financial Crime Compliance function (Second Line of Defence). This is a high-impact role within the Client Risk Oversight team, responsible for providing independent oversight, challenge, and assurance over client onboarding, ongoing monitoring, and financial crime controls. The role offers significant exposure to high-risk corporate, institutional, and fintech/intermediary client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- 2LoD Oversight & Quality Assurance
- Perform independent quality assurance (QA) reviews of KYC onboarding and periodic review files
- Validate the effectiveness of 1LoD control execution, including control testing outputs
- Identify control weaknesses, systemic issues, and remediation actions
- Produce actionable management information (MI) and trend analysis
- Enhanced Due Diligence & Escalations
- Review, challenge, and approve high-risk onboarding and ongoing monitoring escalations
- Conduct in-depth EDD investigations on complex client relationships
- Draft robust, audit-ready risk assessments and escalation papers
- Escalate material cases to senior management, including MLRO/DMLRO where required
- Intermediary / Fintech Client Oversight
- Lead the onboarding and review of intermediary (fintech) client relationships
- Conduct on-site compliance monitoring visits and desktop reviews
- Assess client AML frameworks, governance standards, and operational controls
- Provide clear recommendations on risk acceptance and mitigation
- Control Testing & Framework Assurance
- Perform control testing over 2LoD controls and compliance frameworks
- Support thematic reviews and deep dives into key financial crime risk areas
- Identify gaps and contribute to strengthening the control environment
- Training & Stakeholder Advisory
- Deliver AML / KYC / sanctions training to operational and commercial teams
- Act as a trusted advisor to Sales, KYC, and wider business stakeholders
- Support embedding of a strong compliance culture
- Governance, Reporting & SARs
- Draft high-quality escalations, committee papers, and Board reporting inputs
- Prepare and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) where required
- Support governance forums (e.g. high-risk committees / working groups)
- Policy & Continuous Improvement
- Support the development and enhancement of AML/KYC policies and procedures
- QA frameworks and methodologies
- Risk appetite and controls documentation
- Contribute to regulatory change initiatives and compliance projects
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
- Strong experience in AML/Financial Crime Compliance, ideally within a regulated financial services firm
- Deep understanding of KYC / CDD / EDD processes
- Sanctions, PEP screening, and adverse media
- Experience reviewing and challenging high-risk or complex client cases
- Proven ability to draft escalation papers, risk assessments, and SARs
- Excellent analytical, written, and communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to apply risk-based judgement
- A true team player with a winning mentality and strong work ethic committed to continuous improvement and high performance
- Adaptable, tenacious and flexible who can perform under pressure
Desirable
- Solid experience in a 2LoD Compliance role
- Experience with fintech / intermediary clients (PSPs, EMIs, platforms)
- Strong understanding of Corporate and Institutional clients
- Experience conducting compliance monitoring / on-site reviews
- Experience in policy drafting and governance reporting
- Proven track record in project management and stakeholder engagement
- Strong understanding of risk and controls frameworks
Success Measures (KPIs)
- Quality and consistency of QA output
- Reduction in repeat findings / control failures
- Timely and defensible escalation decisions
- Positive audit / regulatory outcomes
- Effectiveness of stakeholder engagement
- Contribution to control framework improvements
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.
Senior Compliance Specialist in London employer: IFX Payments
At IFX, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of our employees. As a Senior Compliance Specialist, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation, with access to comprehensive benefits including generous annual leave, financial wellbeing support, and career development opportunities within a fast-scaling international business. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of excellence in financial crime compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Compliance Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the compliance field, especially those who work at IFX or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your KYC and AML knowledge. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you identified control weaknesses or improved compliance processes. Show us how you can add value!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on our radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes. Being knowledgeable about the latest in financial crime compliance will not only impress us but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Compliance Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Compliance Specialist role. Highlight your experience in AML/Financial Crime Compliance and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences, especially those related to KYC, EDD, and compliance monitoring. Let us know what makes you tick!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to showcase your problem-solving skills in your application. Mention any instances where you've identified control weaknesses or contributed to improving compliance frameworks. We love a proactive approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our awesome team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at IFX Payments
✨Know Your Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your AML, KYC, and EDD processes. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you've reviewed high-risk clients or drafted escalation papers. This shows you’re not just familiar with the terms but have real-world experience.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities by discussing how you've identified control weaknesses or systemic issues in past roles. Bring examples of actionable management information (MI) you've produced to back up your claims.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with different teams, especially in delivering training or acting as an advisor. Share stories that illustrate your winning mentality and commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your judgement and decision-making skills under pressure. Think about how you would handle complex client relationships or escalate material cases, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
