At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal and compliance for a major international bank in the UK.
- Company: Join a globally established banking group with diverse operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership role, and collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and direct interaction with executive management.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on regulatory and governance matters in banking.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in legal and compliance within international banking.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
Location: London
Division: Legal & Compliance
Reports To: CEO UK / Regional General Counsel / Group Chief Compliance Officer
Regulatory Status: FCA Approved – SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) & SMF18 (Other Overall Responsibility)
About the Bank
We are an internationally established banking group with operations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, providing corporate banking, treasury, trade finance, capital markets and institutional financial services to a diverse global client base. As part of the continued expansion and strengthening of our UK operations, we are seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Legal & Compliance to lead the legal, regulatory and financial crime framework for the Bank’s UK Branch. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role within the UK management team and act as a strategic advisor to senior management and Head Office on UK regulatory and governance matters. This is a senior leadership opportunity suited to an individual with strong FCA regulatory expertise, international banking experience and the ability to operate effectively within a cross-border institutional environment.
The Role
The Head of Legal & Compliance will be responsible for overseeing all legal, regulatory compliance, governance and financial crime matters relating to the Bank’s UK Branch operations. The individual will hold SMF17 and SMF18 responsibilities and act as the primary point of contact with UK regulators, including the FCA and other relevant authorities. The role requires a commercially minded and technically strong professional capable of balancing regulatory oversight with business growth objectives within an international banking environment. The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders across Legal, Compliance, Risk, Operations and Front Office teams both in London and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the UK Branch Compliance function in accordance with FCA regulatory requirements.
- Hold SMF17 (MLRO) and SMF18 responsibilities for the UK Branch.
- Maintain and enhance the Bank’s compliance monitoring framework, policies and procedures.
- Act as primary liaison with the FCA and other UK regulatory authorities.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with FCA Handbook requirements, PRA expectations, AML regulations, MiFID II and wider UK regulatory obligations.
- Provide regulatory guidance and advice to senior management and business stakeholders.
- Act as the UK MLRO and oversee all AML, sanctions, ABC and financial crime controls.
- Ensure robust KYC/CDD and transaction monitoring frameworks are maintained.
- Oversee SAR submissions and financial crime investigations where required.
- Maintain effective financial crime policies, governance and staff training programmes.
Legal & Governance
- Oversee legal matters affecting the UK Branch, including contractual, regulatory and corporate governance matters.
- Coordinate with external counsel where appropriate.
- Support the governance framework for the UK Branch, including committee reporting and board governance.
- Provide legal and regulatory input into new products, business initiatives and strategic projects.
- Ensure effective management of regulatory change and implementation programmes.
Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with senior management, Head Office and international stakeholders on regulatory and governance matters.
- Partner with Risk, Internal Audit, Operations and Front Office teams to ensure effective control frameworks.
- Support regulatory inspections, internal audits and compliance reviews.
- Deliver clear reporting and management information to UK and Group governance committees.
Candidate Profile
Required Experience
- Significant experience within Legal & Compliance functions at an international bank or regulated financial institution.
- Previous experience holding SMF17 and/or SMF18 responsibilities.
- Strong working knowledge of FCA regulations and UK regulatory frameworks applicable to international banking operations.
- Experience operating within a UK Branch structure of an overseas bank.
- Extensive knowledge of AML, sanctions, financial crime and regulatory compliance frameworks.
- Experience dealing directly with the FCA and regulatory bodies.
- Strong understanding of governance, conduct risk and regulatory reporting obligations.
Preferred Background
- Experience within corporate banking, treasury, trade finance, capital markets or institutional banking environments.
- Qualified solicitor or legally trained professional preferred.
- Experience working within multi-jurisdictional and cross-border banking environments.
- Strong commercial judgement and ability to balance regulatory and business priorities.
- Experience managing teams and interacting with senior executive leadership and boards.
FCA Regulatory Expertise
- SMF17 / SMF18 Accountability
- AML & Financial Crime
- Legal & Regulatory Advisory
- Governance & Regulatory Reporting
- Cross-Border Banking Operations
- Stakeholder & Regulator Management
- Policy & Framework Development
- Risk & Controls Oversight
- Leadership & Communication
- Strategic Thinking & Commercial Judgement
What We Offer
- Opportunity to join a growing international banking platform with strong global presence.
- Senior leadership role with direct interaction with UK and Group executive management.
- Broad exposure across legal, compliance, governance and strategic regulatory matters.
- Collaborative international working environment.
- Competitive compensation and benefits structure aligned to experience and seniority.
UK Head of Legal, Compliance & Financial Crime employer: Marlin Selection Recruitment
As a leading international banking group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our London office offers a unique opportunity to engage with senior management and global stakeholders, ensuring that you play a pivotal role in shaping the legal and compliance landscape of our UK operations. With competitive compensation and a commitment to professional advancement, we are dedicated to providing a rewarding environment for our employees.
Contact Details:
Marlin Selection Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Head of Legal, Compliance & Financial Crime
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal and compliance field. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your FCA regulations knowledge. Make sure you can discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around AML and financial crime. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest and insight.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! In interviews, highlight examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in compliance or regulatory settings. This will demonstrate your capability to take on the Head of Legal & Compliance role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission in the banking sector.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Head of Legal, Compliance & Financial Crime
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Legal & Compliance role. Highlight your experience with FCA regulations and any previous SMF17/SMF18 responsibilities. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This is a senior role, so don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership experience. Talk about times you've led teams or projects, especially in compliance or legal settings. We’re looking for someone who can guide and inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
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 you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marlin Selection Recruitment
✨Know Your Regulations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of FCA regulations and the specific compliance frameworks relevant to international banking. Brush up on AML, sanctions, and financial crime controls, as these will be crucial in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading compliance functions and managing teams. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully balanced regulatory oversight with business growth objectives in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve collaborated with senior management and other departments in the past. Be prepared to share specific instances where your input made a difference in governance or regulatory matters.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the bank's current compliance challenges and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.
