Senior Compliance Officer / MLRO

Senior Compliance Officer / MLRO

Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
OnHires

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead regulatory compliance and financial crime risk management for a dynamic crypto and FX company.
  • Company: Join a leading liquidity and technology provider in the crypto and foreign exchange industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and performance-based bonuses.
  • Other info: Only UK-based applications will be considered for this role.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in compliance while working with an innovative and inclusive team.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in compliance within a UK FCA-regulated institution; strong regulatory knowledge required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

On-site | UK | Full-time (Hybrid/Remote - Office located in London) | UK Residence is a must

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Compliance Officer, MLRO & DPO to lead our regulatory compliance, financial crime risk management, and data protection functions for our FCA-regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI).

The successful candidate will hold a triple-mandate responsibility: acting as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), Chief Risk & Compliance Officer (CRCO), and Data Protection Officer (DPO). You will be the primary guardian of our operational integrity, ensuring full adherence to FCA regulations, UK GDPR, and global AML/CTF standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Oversight & Liaison (CRCO & MLRO)

  • Central Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for the FCA, NCA, ICO, and law enforcement agencies.

  • Regulatory Intelligence: Monitor and analyze new developments (FCA Handbook, PSRs/EMRs, Consumer Duty) and implement necessary changes to business activities.

  • Board Advisory: Provide strategic advice to the Executive Board and CEO on regulatory obligations, escalating material breaches or significant financial crime risks promptly.

  • Reporting: Prepare and submit quarterly Regulatory Assurance Reports, the Annual MLRO Report, and all required EMI-specific disclosures.

2. Risk Management & Governance

  • Framework Ownership: Design and maintain the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management (ERM) program, Risk Appetite Statement, and Risk Register.

  • Internal Controls: Proactively identify operational, safeguarding, and conduct risks. Conduct annual Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSA).

  • Product Compliance: Approve new products and initiatives using "Compliance by Design" principles, ensuring all marketing and client agreements meet FCA standards.

  • Reporting Metrics: Collect and analyze KRIs and KPIs, maintaining a comprehensive Incidents Log to evaluate non-compliance risks.

3. AML/CTF & Financial Crime Prevention (MLRO)

  • Program Management: Build and oversee the AML/CTF framework, including PEPs, Sanctions, and Transaction Monitoring policies.

  • SAR Management: Act as the nominated officer for receiving, assessing, and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the NCA.

  • High-Risk Oversight: Sign off on Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) and onboarding decisions for high-risk customers.

  • Monitoring & Calibration: Oversee Transaction Monitoring system thresholds, quality-assuring alerts and managing account suspensions.

4. Data Protection & Privacy (DPO)

  • GDPR Compliance: Monitor adherence to the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

  • Privacy Tools: Maintain the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA), data mapping, and conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).

  • Rights Management: Lead the response to Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and manage data breach handling/notifications to the ICO.

  • Third-Party Risk: Review cross-border data transfers (SCCs) and conduct compliance audits of third-party data processors.

5. Training, Audit & Culture

  • Educational Leadership: Deliver firm-wide training on AML, SAR processes, data privacy, and the firm’s compliance culture.

  • Monitoring Plan: Execute the Compliance Monitoring Plan, including internal audits and testing of control effectiveness across all departments.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Finance, or Business. Professional certifications (CAMS, ICA, or CIPP/E) are highly desirable.

  • Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of senior compliance experience within a UK FCA-regulated financial institution (EMI, PI, or Bank).

  • Regulatory Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, FCA Specialist Sourcebooks, and UK GDPR.

  • Leadership: Proven track record of interacting with the FCA/NCA and reporting directly to a Board of Directors.

Key Competencies

  • Risk-Based Decision Making: Ability to make critical decisions in high-pressure, complex regulatory scenarios.

  • Tech-Savvy Approach: Proficiency with compliance tools (e.g., Sumsub, LexisNexis, ComplyAdvantage) and transaction monitoring systems.

  • Analytical Excellence: Strong ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable operational procedures.

  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for regulatory reporting and internal stakeholder management.

Why Join Us?

  • High-Impact Role: A visible, senior position where you shape the compliance DNA of a growing EMI.

  • Dynamic Environment: Work with a forward-thinking team committed to innovation and client protection.

  • Professional Growth: Support for ongoing training and specialized certifications.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with seniority and experience.

  • Flexible/Hybrid working arrangements.

  • Comprehensive benefits package and performance-based bonuses tied to Compliance KPIs.

Note: Only UK-based applications will be considered for this role. Successful candidates must pass enhanced background and credit checks.

Senior Compliance Officer / MLRO employer: OnHires

OnHires is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises regulatory integrity and innovation within the fast-paced crypto and FX industry. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and performance-based bonuses, all while playing a crucial role in shaping compliance practices at a leading UK-regulated Electronic Money Institution based in London.

OnHires

Contact Details:

OnHires Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Compliance Officer / MLRO

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest FCA regulations and guidelines, especially those related to Electronic Money Institutions. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the compliance and financial crime sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed compliance risks in previous roles. Highlight your experience with KYC/KYB processes and any tools you've used, as this will showcase your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Tip Number 4

Research OnHires and their approach to compliance and financial crime prevention. Understanding their values and operational strategies will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Compliance Officer / MLRO

Regulatory Compliance Expertise
AML/CFT Knowledge
FCA Regulations Understanding
KYC/KYB Procedures
Risk Management Skills
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in compliance, particularly within FCA-regulated environments. Emphasise your knowledge of AML/CTF regulations and any specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Discuss your understanding of the company's operations in the crypto and FX industry and how your skills align with their needs.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly list your educational background and any professional certifications such as CAMS or ICA. This will help demonstrate your commitment to compliance and regulatory standards.

Showcase Analytical Skills:In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex regulatory requirements in previous roles. Highlight your analytical skills and decision-making abilities in high-risk scenarios.

How to prepare for a job interview at OnHires

Know Your Regulations

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the FCA regulations, Money Laundering Regulations 2017, and AML/CTF laws. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact the role and how you would ensure compliance within the company.

Showcase Your Experience

Highlight your previous experience in compliance roles, especially within FCA-regulated institutions. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've managed KYC/KYB processes or dealt with regulatory audits.

Demonstrate Analytical Skills

Prepare to discuss how you analyse complex regulatory requirements and assess risks. You might be asked to solve hypothetical scenarios, so think about your approach to risk-based decision-making.

Emphasise Communication Abilities

As a Senior Compliance Officer & MLRO, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully liaised with regulatory bodies or trained staff on compliance matters.