At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and operations in a fast-growing FinTech, ensuring regulatory excellence.
- Company: Join a VC-backed FinTech on the brink of revolutionising digital banking.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence on the company's future.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping compliance strategies and driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in compliance or operations, with strong regulatory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a high-growth, VC-backed FinTech on a confidential search for a Head of Compliance & Operations, who will also hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) responsibilities, subject to regulatory approval. This is a critical leadership hire at a pivotal stage, as the firm progresses through its UK banking licence application and mobilisation journey. The successful candidate will be instrumental in designing and embedding a best-in-class compliance, financial crime, and operational infrastructure that meets the expectations of both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. This role requires a hands-on leader who can operate strategically while building from first principles in a fast-scaling environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory & Compliance Leadership (SMF16)
- Assume SMF16 – Compliance Oversight responsibilities, ensuring the firm meets all applicable regulatory obligations.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the compliance framework in line with Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority expectations.
- Play a central role in the banking licence application and mobilisation process, including regulatory business plans, ICAs, and governance documentation.
- Act as a key point of contact with regulators, managing relationships with transparency and credibility.
- Oversee regulatory reporting, monitoring, and assurance activities.
- Financial Crime & MLRO Responsibilities (SMF17)
- Act as the firm’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and hold SMF17 accountability.
- Design and maintain robust AML/CTF frameworks, including policies, controls, and monitoring systems.
- Oversee Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) processes and act as the primary liaison with the National Crime Agency.
- Ensure effective KYC, customer due diligence (CDD/EDD), transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening processes are in place.
- Provide regular reporting to the Board and regulators on financial crime risks and controls.
- Operational Leadership
- Build and scale core operational functions, including customer onboarding, payments operations, and service delivery.
- Design scalable, controlled processes that balance customer experience with regulatory compliance.
- Establish outsourcing and third-party risk management frameworks in line with regulatory expectations.
- Risk & Governance
- Develop and embed enterprise-wide risk management frameworks, including risk appetite, controls, and reporting.
- Establish governance structures, including Board and committee reporting aligned to SMCR requirements.
- Ensure clear allocation of prescribed responsibilities and accountability across senior management.
- Strategic Contribution
- Partner with the CEO, Board, and investors to align regulatory strategy with commercial objectives.
- Provide pragmatic, commercially aware input into product development and market expansion.
- Support investor due diligence, regulatory readiness, and capital raising activities.
- Team Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing compliance, financial crime, and operations function.
- Promote a strong culture of compliance, risk awareness, and ethical conduct across the organisation.
Candidate Profile
- Experience
- 10+ years’ experience in compliance, financial crime, and/or operations within financial services or FinTech.
- Prior approval (or readiness for approval) as SMF16 and/or SMF17 (MLRO) in the UK.
- Direct experience supporting or leading a UK banking licence application or mobilisation phase is highly desirable.
- Experience in a high-growth FinTech or digital banking environment strongly preferred.
- Regulatory Expertise
- Deep understanding of UK regulatory frameworks governed by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority.
- Strong expertise in AML/CTF, financial crime prevention, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
- In-depth knowledge of SMCR, including prescribed responsibilities and governance expectations.
- Operational Capability
- Proven ability to build and scale operational processes and control frameworks from the ground up.
- Experience implementing systems for KYC, transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting.
- Leadership & Communication
- Demonstrated ability to operate at Board level and engage effectively with regulators.
- Strong leadership capability with experience building and managing high-performing teams.
- Clear, confident communicator with sound judgment and decision-making ability.
Head of Compliance in Bolton employer: W Talent
As a high-growth, VC-backed FinTech, we offer an exceptional opportunity for the Head of Compliance to lead in a dynamic and innovative environment. Our remote UK-based team fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth, providing access to cutting-edge resources and professional development opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact as we navigate the exciting journey of obtaining our UK banking licence while ensuring compliance excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FinTech space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Compliance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your regulatory knowledge. Make sure you can discuss the latest trends in compliance and financial crime prevention. We want to see you shine as a thought leader in the room!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on leadership style during interviews. Share examples of how you've built compliance frameworks from scratch or led teams through challenging regulatory landscapes. We love hearing about real-world experiences!
✨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. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who are ready to make an impact in the FinTech world.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Compliance role. Highlight your experience in compliance, financial crime, and operations, especially in a FinTech or digital banking environment. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership in compliance and operational roles, and how you can contribute to our growth at StudySmarter.
Showcase Regulatory Knowledge:Since this role involves significant regulatory responsibilities, make sure to showcase your understanding of UK regulatory frameworks. Mention any direct experience with the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority to stand out!
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 any important updates from us. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the latest regulations from the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with compliance but are also ready to lead in this area.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams in the past. Highlight your experience in scaling operations and how you've fostered a culture of compliance and risk awareness. This is crucial for a leadership role like Head of Compliance.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can align regulatory strategy with commercial objectives. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to product development or market expansion while ensuring compliance. This will show that you can operate strategically in a fast-scaling environment.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Conversations
Since you'll be acting as a key point of contact with regulators, practice how you would manage these relationships. Be prepared to discuss your approach to transparency and credibility, as well as how you've handled regulatory reporting and assurance activities in the past.
