Head of Compliance / MLRO (SMF 16 & 17) in London

Sterling Williams are partnering with a well-established financial services business to appoint an experienced SMF16 & SMF17 to lead the UK compliance and financial crime function.

• Head of Compliance/MLRO (SMF16 & SMF17)
• London: (Hybrid - 3 days in the office)

Permanent; full-time.

This is a standalone role with regulatory accountability for the UK entity, supported by a wider European compliance team.

The business has a mature compliance framework in place, so this isn't a greenfield build, but it does require someone who enjoys being hands‑on, can challenge the status quo where needed, and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves to ensure the framework continues to evolve alongside regulatory change.

The remit is split broadly 50/50 across Compliance and Financial Crime Compliance (FCC), making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a broad generalist mandate with genuine ownership.

• What you'll be doing
• Holding the SMF16 and SMF17 responsibilities for the UK regulated entity.
• Overseeing the firm's compliance and financial crime framework across day‑to‑day BAU and ongoing enhancements.
• Monitoring regulatory developments and horizon scanning, assessing the impact of new rules and ensuring the business remains compliant.
• Providing pragmatic regulatory advice to senior stakeholders across the business.
• Maintaining and enhancing existing compliance policies, procedures and controls.
• Leading compliance monitoring activities and regulatory reporting where required.
• Working closely with the wider European compliance function, leveraging their expertise while acting as the primary compliance lead in the UK.
• Supporting regulatory interactions and fostering a strong compliance culture throughout the business.

The successful candidate will likely have

You’ll be an experienced compliance professional who already holds, or is approved for, SMF16 & SMF17, with a proven track record operating within an FCA‑regulated environment.

Alternatively, this may suit someone that is looking to step up into an FCA approved role.

You’ll also bring

• Strong experience across both general compliance and financial crime compliance.
• A pragmatic, commercially minded approach with the confidence to operate autonomously.
• Experience horizon scanning and translating regulatory change into practical business actions.
• The ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• A hands‑on mentality – you’ll be just as comfortable executing as you are setting strategy.

Experience within buy‑side financial services would be highly advantageous, although we’ll also consider candidates from investment banking, brokerage, trading or other regulated capital markets environments where the experience aligns with the remit.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative international business where you’ll have genuine ownership of the UK compliance function while benefiting from the support of an established European team.

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