At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and AML frameworks, engage with FCA, and build policies for a fintech.
- Company: High-growth fintech company with a focus on payments and digital assets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to shape compliance from the ground up.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Why this job: Take ownership of UK compliance in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with real impact.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in compliance, strong knowledge of UK regulations, and prior 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 Slough 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. This role not only provides competitive remuneration but also 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 Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend fintech events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its compliance challenges. We want you to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you understand the unique landscape of the fintech world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the job requirements. We suggest highlighting your hands-on approach and any successful compliance programmes you've built.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to shaping the compliance function in this high-growth fintech!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Compliance role. Highlight your experience in building compliance frameworks and your knowledge of UK financial regulations. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
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 role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in compliance and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, make sure to emphasise your experience in leading teams and projects. We’re looking for someone who can build and inspire a compliance function, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
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 Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in UK financial regulations, especially the MLRs and FCA Handbook. Brush up on recent changes and how they impact compliance in fintech. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the rules but also ready to lead the charge in regulatory engagement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built compliance frameworks from scratch or improved existing ones. Highlight your experience in leading teams and engaging with regulatory bodies like the FCA. This role is all about ownership, so demonstrate your ability to take initiative and drive results.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to compliance challenges. Think about how you would handle issues like KYC failures or transaction monitoring discrepancies. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Connect with Cross-Functional Teams
Since this role involves partnering with various departments, be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with Product, Engineering, and Legal teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve worked together to launch new products while ensuring compliance, as this will highlight your teamwork and strategic thinking.
