At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Customer Due Diligence strategy and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Metro Bank, a people-first bank focused on building trust and authentic connections.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, pension scheme, healthcare, and discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a commitment to internal promotions for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in banking while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in AML/CDD, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with Metro Bank to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. At Metro Bank, we believe the best banking experience starts with people who genuinely care. We're not just delivering banking services - we're building trust through authentic connections. Here, our people come first; our colleagues are part of a team that values individuality, collaboration, and long-standing relationships. We are also all about balance so most of our jobs offer the opportunity for hybrid working built around your role and home life, wherever possible.
What you will do:
- Define and deliver the Bank's Customer Due Diligence (CDD) strategy across onboarding, periodic reviews and trigger event management, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and business objectives.
- Lead, inspire and develop a multidisciplinary CDD function, embedding a strong culture of risk awareness, accountability and operational excellence.
- Act as the organisation's senior CDD subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance to Risk, Financial Crime and business leadership teams.
- Oversee end-to-end CDD processes across all customer segments (Retail, SME, Corporate and High-Risk), ensuring robust, risk-based approaches including KYC, EDD and customer risk assessment methodologies.
- Establish and monitor KPIs, SLAs and quality assurance frameworks to drive consistent performance, efficiency and high-quality outcomes across all CDD activities.
- Own and maintain CDD procedures in line with the Financial Crime Framework, ensuring policies are clearly articulated, proportionate and effectively embedded within the business.
- Act as the primary interface with Second Line Financial Crime, ensuring strong alignment between regulatory requirements and operational delivery, including clear roles, responsibilities and governance.
- Drive the design and delivery of periodic review frameworks and trigger event processes, ensuring timely, accurate and risk-based reassessment of customer profiles.
- Provide expert oversight and direction on complex and high-risk cases, including escalation and recommendations to senior governance forums where customer relationships fall outside standard risk appetite.
- Lead engagement with internal and external audit, regulators and assurance functions, maintaining a robust control environment and delivering sustainable remediation where required.
And... we are a bank, so risk is a part of everything we do. We love people who take responsibility, do the right thing for customers, colleagues and Metro Bank, and have the courage to call out any concerns.
What you will need:
- Deep technical expertise in CDD/KYC, including risk assessment methodologies, beneficial ownership, complex structures and Enhanced Due Diligence.
- Strong knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks, including FCA Handbook, JMLSG guidance and Money Laundering Regulations.
- Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in AML, CDD or Financial Crime within a UK regulated banking environment.
- Proven leadership capability, with experience managing large operational CDD teams and developing high-performing talent.
- Demonstrated ability to apply risk-based decision making in complex, high-impact and ambiguous environments.
- Experience designing, implementing and evolving CDD frameworks, systems and controls in line with regulatory expectations.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging senior executives, regulators and auditors.
- Track record of driving operational excellence, leveraging technology and automation, and balancing regulatory compliance with customer and business outcomes.
Our promise to you...
We believe in "one in, one up" at Metro Bank, growing our own and promoting from within. That is why we are looking for YOU! An AMAZEING colleague to move into this FANtastic new role! We will make sure that you are well-rewarded by providing you with a competitive salary, discretionary annual bonus, and a wide range of benefits, including generous holiday allowance, attractive pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, and a number of colleague discounts! We will give you the training to ensure you succeed in your role and plenty of internal opportunities to progress your career (around 40% of our recruitment comes from internal promotions!). We are also all about balance so most of our jobs offer the opportunity for hybrid working built around your role and home life, wherever possible.
Diverse teams really are the best teams. We know that candidates (especially women, research tells us) may be put off applying for a job unless they can tick every box. We also know that 'normal' office hours aren't always doable, and while we can't accommodate every flexible working request we are happy to be asked. So if you are excited about working with us and think you can do much of what we are looking for but aren't sure if you are 100% there yet... why not give it a whirl?
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Customer Due Diligence in Bristol
✨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 Metro Bank. 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 Head of Customer Due Diligence in Bristol
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 Metro Bank.
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 Metro Bank'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 Metro Bank
✨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 Metro Bank.
✨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 Metro Bank 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 Metro Bank 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.