MLRO- GRC & Risk in London

MLRO- GRC & Risk in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
SumUp

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead SumUp's UK AML/CTF programme and manage financial crime detection.
  • Company: Join a global fintech leader committed to empowering small businesses.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days paid leave, private health insurance, and stock options.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team in a vibrant Covent Garden office.
  • Why this job: Shape compliance strategies while making a real impact in the fintech sector.
  • Qualifications: Experience as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO with strong knowledge of UK regulations.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

About the team

SumUp's Governance, Risk and Compliance team sits at the heart of how we operate responsibly across our global markets. In the UK, we're at a pivotal moment; our financial crime function is growing, and we need the right person to lead it. As our UK MLRO, you'll hold statutory responsibility for SumUp's AML/CTF programme, serving as the primary point of contact with the FCA and UK law enforcement on all financial crime matters. This is a role where your expertise genuinely matters; the decisions you make, the frameworks you build, and the relationships you hold with regulators will directly shape how SumUp grows and operates in the UK.

What you'll do

  • Own and lead SumUp's UK AML/CTF programme, ensuring it meets FCA expectations and hold overall responsibility for the effective detection, prevention, and reporting of financial crime across our UK operations.
  • Act as the primary point of contact with the FCA and UK law enforcement agencies on all financial-crime related matters.
  • Review and make decisions on Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), including complex escalations requiring careful judgement.
  • Oversee transaction monitoring, CDD/EDD processes, and second-line assurance of outsourced or technology-enabled controls.
  • Support preparation for FCA supervisory engagements, audits, and thematic reviews.

You'll be great for this role if…

  • Prior experience as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO within the UK financial services sector, ideally in fintech, payments, or e-money.
  • Deep knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulations, JMLSG guidance, and law enforcement reporting frameworks.
  • Strong judgement when reviewing high-risk cases, transaction monitoring alerts, and complex CDD/EDD decisions.
  • Ability to balance commercial priorities with regulatory obligations, and communicate confidently with the FCA and senior leadership.
  • Eligible for, or already approved for, FCA SMF17 designation.

Why you should join SumUp

  • Opportunity to work with a truly global, multicultural team from our central Covent Garden location.
  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: be part of a workplace that values and promotes diversity.
  • Enrolment onto our Virtual Stock Option programme: you will own a stake in SumUp's future success.
  • Generous time off: enjoy 28 days of paid leave, plus bank holidays and special leaves.
  • A dedicated annual L&D budget for attending conferences and/or advancing your career through further education.
  • Health matters: private health insurance, including optical and dental.
  • Life made easier: salary-sacrifice commuter benefits via Gogeta.
  • Financial security: retirement scheme (SumUp matches 7% when you contribute 5%).
  • Peace of mind: life insurance from MetLife for 2× your salary.
  • Break4me: 1-month sabbatical after 3 years of service.
  • Referral Bonus: earn additional rewards by referring talented individuals to join the SumUp team.

About SumUp

Be empowered to do more that matters. At SumUp, we're on a mission to empower small businesses across the globe by providing simple and affordable tools that allow them to thrive. Today, over 4 million businesses in 37 markets rely on SumUp as their financial partner to manage payments, finance and customer relationships. Our commitment to small businesses is reflected in our diverse team of over 3,000 SumUppers from over 90 nationalities, united by global collaboration and an innovative mindset. Our core values lay the foundation for who we are and what we stand for, shaping our work culture and driving our success. We foster inclusivity and a continuous learning culture, providing a safe space for personal and professional growth. Our differences make us unique and strong as we strive to create an environment where everyone belongs and feels supported, no matter how they identify.

SumUp is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, actively seeking and embracing diversity in our workforce. We don't make hiring or employment decisions based on race, colour, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other basis protected by applicable laws or prohibited by company policy. Our commitment extends beyond recruitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace where harassment of any form is strictly prohibited.

MLRO- GRC & Risk in London employer: SumUp

At SumUp, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London that champions diversity and inclusion. Our employees benefit from generous time off, a dedicated learning budget, and the opportunity to own a stake in our future success through our Virtual Stock Option programme. With a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, we provide a supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission of empowering small businesses globally.
SumUp

Contact Detail:

SumUp Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land MLRO- GRC & Risk in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at SumUp. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with SumUp's mission and values—show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your thought process when it comes to complex financial crime scenarios.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the SumUp team.

We think you need these skills to ace MLRO- GRC & Risk in London

AML/CTF Programme Management
Knowledge of UK AML/CTF Regulations
Judgement in High-Risk Case Review
Transaction Monitoring
Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
Regulatory Communication
FCA SMF17 Designation Eligibility
Financial Crime Risk Assessment
Decision-Making Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Compliance Framework Development
Audit Preparation
Ability to Balance Commercial and Regulatory Priorities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in AML/CTF and how it aligns with our needs at SumUp. We want to see how your skills can directly contribute to our financial crime function.

Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulations and your previous experiences as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO. We’re looking for someone whose expertise can shape our compliance strategies, so let that shine through!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when discussing complex topics like financial crime risks and regulatory obligations. Make it easy for us to see your value!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team at SumUp!

How to prepare for a job interview at SumUp

✨Know Your Regulations

Make sure you brush up on UK AML/CTF regulations and JMLSG guidance before the interview. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them in real-world scenarios.

✨Showcase Your Judgement Skills

Prepare examples of how you've handled complex cases or made tough decisions in your previous roles. This is crucial for the MLRO position, so be ready to explain your thought process and how you balance compliance with business needs.

✨Engage with the FCA's Role

Understand the relationship between the MLRO and the FCA. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage communications and what strategies you would employ to ensure compliance while fostering a positive relationship with regulators.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities

As a potential leader in the financial crime function, highlight your experience in leading teams or projects. Discuss how you motivate others and ensure that compliance is integrated into the company culture, which is vital for SumUp’s growth.

MLRO- GRC & Risk in London
SumUp
Location: London

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