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- Tasks: Lead and strengthen risk and compliance frameworks in a high-growth payments firm.
- Company: Dynamic global payments firm at the forefront of digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape compliance strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on regulatory compliance and governance in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in risk and compliance within UK-regulated financial services.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team and drive sustainable growth in a cutting-edge industry.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a high-growth Global Payments Firm seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Risk & Compliance to lead and strengthen its UK risk and compliance framework. Operating at the forefront of digital payments innovation, the firm provides cutting-edge financial infrastructure solutions to businesses worldwide. This is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing robust risk management and compliance programmes in line with UK regulatory requirements, including oversight by UK regulators. The successful candidate will act as a key advisor to the executive team and Board, ensuring the organisation maintains the highest standards of regulatory compliance, governance, and risk mitigation while supporting sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of the firm’s UK risk and compliance strategy.
- Act as the primary point of contact with the Financial Conduct Authority and other relevant regulatory bodies.
- Oversee and maintain compliance with applicable UK regulations, including those related to payments services and electronic money.
- Develop, implement, and monitor enterprise-wide risk management frameworks (operational, financial, regulatory, and reputational risks).
- Serve as SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and/or SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) under the UK Senior Managers & Certification Regime (as applicable).
- Lead AML, CTF, sanctions, and financial crime prevention programmes in line with UK regulatory expectations.
- Provide oversight of KYC/CDD processes and transaction monitoring systems.
- Prepare and present risk and compliance reports to the Board and senior leadership.
- Ensure effective internal controls, policies, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed.
- Lead regulatory reporting submissions and manage audits and regulatory inspections.
- Build and mentor a high-performing risk and compliance team.
- Partner with Product, Operations, and Commercial teams to ensure compliant product development and market expansion.
Key Requirements:
- Extensive senior-level experience in risk and compliance within a UK-regulated payments, fintech, e-money, or financial services firm with payments exposure.
- Strong working knowledge of FCA requirements, including the Payment Services Regulations and Electronic Money Regulations.
- Demonstrable experience operating under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SMCR).
- Proven experience engaging directly with the Financial Conduct Authority.
- Deep expertise in AML/CTF frameworks, financial crime risk management, and sanctions compliance.
- Strong understanding of operational risk, enterprise risk management, and governance frameworks.
- Experience acting as SMF16 and/or SMF17 (preferred) or leading a compliance function/team.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and Board-level communication skills.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset.
- Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, legal or compliance certifications) preferred but not essential.
For more information, or for a confidential chat, please apply to this role with your updated CV!
Head of Risk and Compliance in Slough employer: JCW Group
Contact Detail:
JCW Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk and Compliance in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payments and compliance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of FCA regulations and compliance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled risk management challenges in the past. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the hiring process. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk and Compliance in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in risk and compliance, especially within the UK payments sector. We want to see how your background aligns with the role!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led compliance programmes or managed risks in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
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 this exciting opportunity in our high-growth firm!
How to prepare for a job interview at JCW Group
✨Know Your Regulations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the UK regulatory landscape, especially the FCA requirements and Payment Services Regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of AML/CTF frameworks and be ready to discuss how you've navigated these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior role, they’ll want to see your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you’ve built and mentored high-performing teams, and how you’ve effectively communicated with stakeholders at all levels, including the Board.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past challenges you’ve faced in risk and compliance and how you tackled them, particularly in fast-paced environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Vision
Be ready to discuss your vision for the firm’s risk and compliance strategy. They’ll want to know how you plan to align compliance with business growth while maintaining robust risk management practices.