Compliance Officer & MLRO in London

Onafriq is an omnichannel network of networks, making borders matter less by providing our partners with a single pathway to unlock the full power of cross-border and cross-platform payment solutions. With a network spanning over 40 African markets, Onafriq connects over 1 billion mobile money wallets, over 500 million bank accounts, and over 200,000 agents in Nigeria, enabling domestic and cross-border disbursements and collections, card issuing and processing, agency banking, and treasury services.

By connecting global and regional enterprises, mobile money operators, money transfer operators, banks, fintechs, global development organisations, and online and offline merchants, supported by world-class regulatory and compliance capabilities and a strong regional presence in 10 offices in Africa, and others in the UK, US, and China, Onafriq is ushering in a new era of access for people across the African continent and beyond.

The Role: We are looking for a Compliance Officer & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to join the Group's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) division. This is an in-country delivery role, working day-to-day under the supervision and guidance of the Group Director of Compliance & Group MLRO. You will hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO) responsibilities for Onafriq UK Limited, the Group's principal UK operating subsidiary. Your focus will be on fulfilling regulatory obligations, maintaining robust compliance processes, and supporting the Group Director in managing the FCA relationship — rather than setting group-wide strategy. This is an excellent opportunity for a compliance professional who is ready to step into their first or early MLRO appointment in a regulated payment institution, with the benefit of senior oversight and a collaborative GRC team around them. The role is based in London. The successful candidate will be subject to FCA approval as an SMF holder.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance: Support the maintenance and operation of the firm's compliance framework in line with FCA requirements. Ensure day-to-day adherence to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Payment Services Regulations 2017, and FCA Handbook (SYSC, PRIN, DISP, Consumer Duty). Monitor regulatory developments and flag relevant changes to the Group Director of Compliance. Assist with regulatory reporting and timely submissions to the FCA under the direction of the Group Director. Provide first-line compliance guidance to business teams on regulatory matters.
• Financial Crime & AML (MLRO Responsibilities): Act as the firm's in-country MLRO under the oversight of the Group Director of Compliance & Group MLRO. Manage Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and submissions to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA). Maintain the firm's AML/CTF framework in accordance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, POCA 2002, and the Terrorism Act 2000. Oversee transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence processes. Conduct financial crime risk assessments and escalate material issues appropriately.
• Policies, Controls & Monitoring: Maintain and update compliance policies and procedures, including AML/CTF policies, the Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP), and conduct risk policies. Carry out periodic compliance monitoring and testing activities. Support internal investigations relating to compliance breaches. Prepare compliance and financial crime reports for the local Board and Group BARC, with Group Director sign-off.
• FCA Engagement: Act as a point of contact for day-to-day FCA interactions, escalating material matters to the Group Director. Support supervisory reviews, information requests, and regulatory inspections. Assist with the implementation of regulatory change.
• Governance & Training: Maintain SMCR responsibilities and up-to-date documentation. Ensure staff receive appropriate compliance and AML training. Promote a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the UK business.

Qualifications and Experience:

We are looking for candidates with a solid foundation in compliance and financial crime, who are ready to take on MLRO responsibilities with appropriate senior support. The ideal candidate will have:

• 3–5 years of experience in a compliance, financial crime, or AML role within a regulated financial institution.
• Experience working within an FCA-regulated firm — ideally an EMI, payment institution, or fintech.
• Experience as a Deputy MLRO, or a strong readiness to step into an MLRO role for the first time.
• Working knowledge of the FCA Handbook, Money Laundering Regulations, Payment Services Regulations, and Electronic Money Regulations.
• Familiarity with SAR submissions, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail.
• A pragmatic, risk-based approach to compliance.
• Experience working in or with emerging markets, including Africa, is an advantage but not required.

You Will Be A Good Fit If You Are:

• A reliable and diligent professional who takes ownership of their responsibilities.
• A confident communicator who can engage clearly with colleagues, management, and regulators.
• Comfortable working under supervision and escalating issues appropriately.
• Organised and able to manage multiple work streams to a high standard.
• Collaborative and able to work closely with a wider GRC team.
• Adaptable and comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced fintech environment.

Why Work for Us:

We work at the cutting edge of fintech in Africa, solving real problems for real people. We have a diverse team of over 28 nationalities and a culture of caring and high performance. We offer flexible working and an unlimited leave policy. We provide a competitive salary package and performance bonuses. We invest in the well-being and growth of every member of our team.