At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance efforts and build a robust framework for a high-growth fintech.
- Company: Join a well-funded fintech scaling its UK regulated presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to shape compliance from day one.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cross-functional teams and drive regulatory engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with ownership of compliance strategies.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in compliance, strong knowledge of UK regulations, and MLRO experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Valmont Talent is managing a confidential search for a UK Head of Compliance & MLRO to join a high-growth, well-funded fintech scaling its UK regulated presence. This is a foundational leadership role with real ownership from day one. You will build the UK compliance function, act as MLRO, lead regulatory engagement with the FCA, and help shape the control environment for a business operating across payments, financial crime, and digital asset-related services.
The role would suit someone who enjoys building rather than simply maintaining. You will be hands-on, commercially aware, and comfortable operating as both the strategic lead and the person who can draft, implement, challenge and deliver.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as MLRO and leading the UK AML/CFT and financial crime framework
- Building policies, procedures, systems and governance for the UK entity
- Leading FCA engagement, including licensing and registration workstreams
- Overseeing KYC/KYB, CDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions and SAR processes
- Partnering with Product, Engineering, Legal and Operations on new products and market expansion
- Reporting to senior leadership and the UK Board on compliance, AML and sanctions matters
We are looking for:
- 8+ years’ compliance experience in payments, fintech or broader financial services
- Strong knowledge of UK financial regulation, including the MLRs, FCA Handbook, PSRs and EMRs
- Prior MLRO experience or senior AML/financial crime leadership experience in an FCA-regulated business
- Experience building and executing compliance programmes, not just overseeing mature frameworks
- Confidence working directly with the FCA and cross-functional leadership teams
- Ideally, exposure to cross-border payments, FX, cryptoasset compliance or high-growth fintech environments
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of the UK compliance agenda for a business at an important stage of regulatory and commercial growth.
Head of Compliance in City of London employer: Valmont Talent
Join a dynamic fintech company in London that prioritises innovation and compliance, offering a unique opportunity to shape the UK compliance function from the ground up. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages hands-on leadership and strategic thinking, while being part of a high-growth environment that values your contributions. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend fintech events. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its compliance challenges. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you understand their unique landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in building compliance frameworks and engaging with the FCA.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Compliance. Highlight your experience in building compliance frameworks and your knowledge of UK financial regulations. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about compliance in the fintech space and how you can contribute to our growth. Be sure to mention any hands-on experience you've had in similar roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a foundational leadership role, we want to see examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Share specific instances where you've built compliance functions or engaged with regulatory bodies like the FCA.
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 Valmont Talent
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK financial regulations, especially the MLRs and FCA Handbook. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with compliance but that you can lead the charge in building a robust framework.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about ownership and leadership. Prepare examples of how you've built compliance functions or led teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've successfully implemented policies and procedures.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of specific challenges you've faced in compliance, particularly in fintech or payments. Be ready to discuss how you tackled issues like KYC/KYB or transaction monitoring, as this will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Collaborate Across Functions
Since you'll be partnering with various teams, prepare to talk about your experience working cross-functionally. Share how you've collaborated with Product, Engineering, or Legal to ensure compliance is integrated into new products and market expansions.
