At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial crime compliance programmes and oversee AML/CTF frameworks.
- Company: Join Kraken, a trusted leader in the crypto space with a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the future of finance while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in AML/CTF compliance and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Building the Future of Open Finance. Payward - the parent company behind Kraken, NinjaTrader, Breakout, xStocks, Payward Services and CF Benchmarks - has spent the last 15 years building one of the most modern and globally accessible financial infrastructure platforms in the industry, built to advance an open, global financial system.
The team founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the world's longest-standing crypto platforms, trusted by over 10 million individuals and institutions across the globe. It offers spot trading, margin, futures, staking, and OTC services, with products built for both individual investors and institutional clients.
We are seeking an experienced and driven MLRO to lead the financial crime compliance programmes across Payward Ltd (PWL) and Payward Services Ltd (PSL), two FCA-regulated UK entities within the Kraken Group. This is a senior role with end-to-end responsibility for the effectiveness of the firms’ anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and sanctions controls.
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of financial crime risk management. This includes maintaining a robust control framework, advising on risk treatment across products and clients, and overseeing the operation and continuous improvement of transaction monitoring and sanctions screening systems.
The opportunity
- Oversight of the AML/CTF and sanctions compliance frameworks across PWL and PSL
- Develop, implement and maintain the firm’s AML/CTF policies, controls and procedures, ensuring that any global policies, controls and procedures meet UK regulatory requirements
- Oversight of transaction monitoring, internal SAR and external SAR/DAML reporting
- Oversight of CDD, EDD, enhanced monitoring and sanctions screening processes for the UK
- Approve all new high risk client relationships and all periodic review outcomes of existing HRCs
- Maintain and regularly update the firms’ business-wide financial crime risk assessments
- Provide expert advice on AML and sanctions compliance across the customer lifecycle, including onboarding, periodic review, and investigations
- Coordinate internal assurance activity and support external audits and regulatory reviews of the financial crime framework
- Deliver training and awareness programmes to ensure staff understand their financial crime responsibilities
- Prepare regular reporting and MI for senior management, risk committees, and the board
- Lead delivery of UK MLRO team monthly review of UK corporate clients
- Produce an annual MLRO report to the Board of Directors that assesses the overall AML/CTF framework and highlights emerging risks and improvements planned
- Review monthly compliance and AML MI in order to identify trends, issues and ensure appropriate mitigation / escalation to the Board where appropriate
- Attend relevant Committee meetings and Board meetings, support Executive decision making, escalate AML program related issues
- Lead on strategic AML framework initiatives/implementations (e.g. Travel Rule)
- Horizon scanning - monitor regulatory developments and ensure timely updates to internal policies and procedures
- Liaise with law enforcement and regulatory authorities as required: Regular engagement with FCA supervisory team
- PoC for NCA
- Support LEAs with setting up accounts
What you bring
- Significant experience in AML/CTF and financial crime compliance within a regulated financial services firm
- Deep understanding of the UK Money Laundering Regulations, Proceeds of Crime Act, UK sanctions regime (OFSI), and relevant industry guidance (e.g. JMLSG)
- Proven track record of operating or overseeing transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence systems
- Skilled in translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable policy and operational controls
- Confident communicator, able to influence senior stakeholders and represent the firm in external engagements
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and resilient — with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage competing priorities
Nice to haves
- Significant experience in AML/CTF and financial crime compliance within a regulated cryptoasset, e-money, or payments firm
Unless a specific application deadline is stated in the job posting, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Please note, applicants are permitted to redact or remove information on their resume that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, assessing candidates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Our commitment
Payward is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate the diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions, and unique perspectives that everyone brings to the table. We hire based on merit, seeking out people with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don't fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you're passionate or knowledgeable about crypto.
We may ask candidates to complete job-related skills or work-style assessments as part of our hiring process. These assessments evaluate competencies relevant to the role and are applied consistently across candidates for similar positions. Results are considered alongside experience and interviews, and are not the sole basis for any employment decision.
As an equal opportunity employer, we don't tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, whether based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Stay connected: Follow us on Twitter, Learn on the Kraken Blog, Connect on LinkedIn.
Candidate Privacy Notice
Mlro, UK in London employer: Kraken
At Kraken, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to innovate and excel. As a Senior AI Safety Engineer, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge projects but also benefit from extensive growth opportunities and mentorship within a collaborative environment. Located in a vibrant tech hub, our team enjoys a flexible work-life balance and access to industry-leading resources, making Kraken an exceptional place to advance your career in AI safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mlro, UK in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Kraken. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Mlro, UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Kraken.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Kraken's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kraken
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Kraken.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Kraken will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Kraken employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
