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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial crime operations, focusing on AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring.
- Company: Join a fast-growing challenger bank that values your expertise and input.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with 3 days in Hampshire and 2 days remote.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the bank's financial crime framework.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial crime operations and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to develop your career in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Financial Crime Operations Manager
Challenger Bank – Hybrid – 3 days in Hampshire, 2 days remote
Are you an experienced financial crime professional looking for a role where your voice will be heard and your expertise will shape how a fast-growing challenger bank operates?
We’re supporting a forward-thinking retail bank that is strengthening its financial crime function and looking for a Senior Financial Crime Operations Manager to play a key role in protecting the business from risk while enabling growth.
The Role
In this role, you’ll take ownership of the first line financial crime operations while working closely with the second line to ensure the bank stays ahead of AML, KYC and transaction monitoring challenges. From overseeing screening processes to leading investigations, you’ll act as the bridge between compliance and the wider business.
You’ll need to bring credibility, resilience, and the confidence to push back when needed. The bank wants someone who can stand tall in discussions with senior stakeholders, balance commercial priorities with risk appetite, and create a culture of compliance across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day financial crime operations, covering AML, KYC, transaction monitoring and customer screening.
- Review and sign off high-risk onboarding cases, ensuring appropriate EDD is applied.
- Run customer refresh cycles and ensure policies and procedures are followed across the bank.
- Work closely with 2nd line and external bodies on investigations when required.
- Produce insightful MI and reporting for senior stakeholders.
- Train, guide and influence staff to embed best practice.
- Act as a trusted advisor and challenger – someone who can hold the line while still enabling the business to deliver for customers.
What We’re Looking For
- Solid experience in financial crime operations within retail banking (essential).
- Strong understanding of AML, KYC, transaction monitoring and wider financial crime risk.
- Proven ability to work across both 1st and 2nd line environments.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills – confident, persuasive, and able to stand your ground.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make clear recommendations.
- Resilient, adaptable and motivated by working in a fast-paced challenger bank environment.
Why Join?
This is a chance to make a visible impact in a growing challenger bank where your expertise won’t get lost in layers of bureaucracy. You’ll be given the platform to lead, challenge and shape the future of the bank’s financial crime framework while developing your own career in a high-profile role.
Send your CV to jim.chappell@interquestgroup.com
Senior Financial Crime Manager (1st Line) employer: InterQuest Group
Contact Detail:
InterQuest Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Crime Manager (1st Line)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in financial crime, particularly in AML and KYC. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the financial crime sector, especially those working in challenger banks. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed financial crime operations. Highlighting your analytical skills and stakeholder management abilities will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability and resilience by sharing experiences where you've thrived in fast-paced environments. This is crucial for a role in a growing challenger bank, and it will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Crime Manager (1st Line)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial crime operations, particularly in retail banking. Emphasise your knowledge of AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring, as well as any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage risk effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for financial crime prevention and how your skills align with the bank's goals. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles and how you can contribute to the bank's growth.
Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills: Highlight your experience in managing relationships with senior stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've influenced decisions or led discussions that balanced commercial priorities with compliance requirements.
Demonstrate Analytical Skills: Include instances where you've used data analysis to inform decision-making or improve processes. This could involve producing management information reports or making recommendations based on your findings.
How to prepare for a job interview at InterQuest Group
✨Showcase Your Financial Crime Expertise
Make sure to highlight your solid experience in financial crime operations, particularly within retail banking. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Since the role requires excellent stakeholder management, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively communicated and influenced senior stakeholders in past positions. Show that you can balance commercial priorities with risk appetite.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your analytical mindset and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle high-risk onboarding cases or lead investigations, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The bank is looking for someone resilient and adaptable to a fast-paced environment. Share experiences where you've successfully navigated change or challenges, demonstrating your ability to thrive in dynamic situations.
