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- Tasks: Lead a major financial crime transformation programme across EMEA in a top-tier investment bank.
- Company: Globally recognised investment bank with a focus on regulatory change.
- Benefits: Market-leading compensation and long-term, permanent opportunity.
- Why this job: Shape financial crime strategy at scale with international visibility.
- Qualifications: 15-20+ years in financial services with deep knowledge of AML/KYC regulations.
- Other info: Executive role with significant exposure to senior leadership and global stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Referment is working exclusively with one of the world’s most globally recognised Investment Banks to appoint an Executive Director to lead a critical, multi-year Financial Crime and Regulatory Change programme across the EMEA region. This is a senior, visible leadership role for a proven financial crime professional who enjoys operating at Executive level and shaping a regulatory control framework within a complex, global environment. You will lead a major regulatory transformation programme within the First Line of Defence (1LOD), supporting the bank’s response to evolving AML, KYC and Financial Crime regulation across Europe. This role carries significant exposure to senior leadership, regulators and global stakeholders – you will be responsible for defining and delivering the strategic roadmap, embedding regulatory change into operations, and strengthening the bank’s overall risk posture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of a large-scale, multi-year regulatory change programme across EMEA
- Act as senior point of contact for regulatory engagement related to financial crime transformation
- Partner closely with Compliance, Technology, Operations and senior business stakeholders
- Own programme governance, reporting, controls, risk management and execution
- Drive regulatory readiness across new and existing European regulation (including EU AML reform)
- Provide confident challenge and direction at Executive and Committee level
- Ensure regulatory initiatives are operationally embedded within the First Line of Defence
We Are Seeking a Senior-level Candidate With
- 15–20+ years’ experience in Financial Services
- Strong background within top-tier Investment Banks, Asset Managers, or global financial institutions
Deep Knowledge Of
- AML / KYC / Financial Crime regulation
- EU regulatory reform, including 6AMLD and prior AML Directives (4AMLD / 5AMLD etc.)
- Proven senior leadership experience delivering regulatory or transformation programmes
- First Line of Defence (1LOD) experience – not advisory-only profiles
- Executive-level stakeholder management capability
- Fluent English (German and/or other major European languages are highly desirable)
- Must be able to work 3 days per week onsite in London
- Able to start within 1 month (3-month notice periods unfortunately cannot be considered)
Why is this a great opportunity?
- Executive role within a globally recognised Investment Bank
- High-impact programme with international visibility
- Long-term, permanent opportunity
- Market-leading compensation
- Opportunity to shape financial crime strategy at scale
If you are operating at Executive Director level and have led complex AML / KYC or Financial Crime change programmes inside large financial institutions, we would love to hear from you.
Executive Director – Financial Crime (App: 7ad-3) employer: Referment
Contact Detail:
Referment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director – Financial Crime (App: 7ad-3)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector, especially those who have experience with regulatory change programmes. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Executive Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of AML, KYC, and financial crime regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led similar initiatives in the past. We want you to showcase your expertise and confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your leadership experience and achievements in financial crime transformation. This is your chance to shine and attract the right attention from recruiters.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for top talent like you to lead impactful programmes in the financial sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director – Financial Crime (App: 7ad-3)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in financial crime and regulatory change. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this Executive Director role. We love seeing passion and clarity, so make sure to connect your experience directly to the job description.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to highlight your leadership experience. We want to know how you've successfully led teams and projects in the past, especially in complex environments. Be specific about your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Referment
✨Know Your Regulatory Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest AML, KYC, and financial crime regulations, especially the EU reforms like 6AMLD. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but are also ready to lead a regulatory transformation programme.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, particularly in delivering regulatory or transformation programmes. Highlight how you've managed teams and engaged with senior stakeholders, as this role requires strong executive-level stakeholder management.
✨Understand the First Line of Defence
Since this position involves working closely with the First Line of Defence (1LOD), be ready to discuss your experience in this area. Share insights on how you've operationally embedded regulatory initiatives and improved risk management in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Executive-Level Conversations
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as you'll need to provide direction at the Executive and Committee level. Think about how you can challenge ideas constructively and drive discussions around regulatory readiness and governance.
