Head of Compliance in Leeds

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.