At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fraud and financial crime strategy, managing operational teams and enhancing control frameworks.
- Company: A profitable, PE-backed consumer lender focused on innovation and leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with significant career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fraud prevention while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in fraud and financial crime within UK consumer lending.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A profitable, PE-backed consumer lender (cards and loans) is making a significant leadership hire, bringing fraud and financial crime together under a single first line operating model, and is looking for a permanent Head of Fraud & Financial Crime to build and run it. This is a hands-on leadership role, not a figurehead. You will lead the first line operational teams, with at least five direct reports, and own the strategy, the control framework and the day-to-day delivery across fraud, AML, sanctions and wider financial crime. As Nominated Officer, you will hold the firm's relationship with law enforcement and intelligence-sharing agencies.
We want a builder. Someone who has done this before, can operate at both strategic and detailed levels, and rolls their sleeves up rather than leading from a distance. You will bring an outside view of strong first line practice and raise the bar internally.
What you'll do:
- Own and deliver the firm's fraud and financial crime strategy across all relevant risk areas
- Lead the first line operational teams, with clear accountability, strong performance management and real delivery
- Establish and maintain a clear operating model with defined ownership across fraud and financial crime
- Design, implement and continuously improve the control framework, subject to MLRO and Compliance oversight
- Act as Nominated Officer, building and owning relationships with law enforcement, industry bodies and intelligence-sharing groups
- Oversee detection performance, working with analytics teams to optimise rules, models and AI-driven controls
- Take a hands-on role investigating issues, reviewing controls and closing second and third line recommendations
- Provide clear, actionable reporting to senior stakeholders and governance forums
- Oversee the implementation of new systems and capabilities
What you'll bring:
- Deep fraud and financial crime expertise in UK consumer lending, across cards and loans (essential)
- A proven track record in a comparable Head of or senior leadership role. You have built and run capability before, this is not your first time at this level
- Experience as a Nominated Officer, including direct engagement with law enforcement and agencies
- A genuine people leader who can build, grow and get the best from operational teams
- Strong grasp of fraud and financial crime regulation including AML and sanctions, translated into practical first line controls
- A pragmatic, commercially minded approach that balances strong controls with business outcomes, and the credibility to operate at SM&CR senior manager level
This role is subject to certification under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR).
Head of Fraud & Financial Crime (First Line, Operational Leader) in London employer: Waterhouse-Kern Associates
As a leading PE-backed consumer lender, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and hands-on leadership opportunities, particularly in this pivotal role of Head of Fraud & Financial Crime. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a culture that values collaboration and accountability, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
Contact Details:
Waterhouse-Kern Associates Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fraud & Financial Crime (First Line, Operational Leader) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fraud and financial crime space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your previous roles where you’ve built and run operational teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in fraud and financial crime – this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in the Head of Fraud & Financial Crime role. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current trends in fraud and financial crime. Be ready to discuss how you would implement strategies and improve control frameworks. We want to see that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fraud & Financial Crime (First Line, Operational Leader) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in fraud and financial crime, especially in consumer lending. We want to see how you've built and run teams before, so don’t hold back on those details!
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 hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to what we’re looking for at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re after a genuine people leader, so make sure to highlight your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you’ve motivated teams and driven performance in previous roles. We want to know how you roll up your sleeves and get involved!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterhouse-Kern Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fraud and financial crime, especially in the context of UK consumer lending. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles and how they can apply to this position.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about hands-on leadership, so be prepared to share examples of how you've built and managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and get the best out of your team, as well as how you’ve tackled performance management.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of real-life situations where you've had to investigate issues or implement controls. Be ready to discuss these scenarios in detail, showcasing your problem-solving skills and your approach to closing recommendations from second and third lines.
✨Build Relationships
Since you'll be acting as the Nominated Officer, it's crucial to demonstrate your experience in building relationships with law enforcement and intelligence-sharing agencies. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated these relationships in the past.
