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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance strategy and regulatory engagement in a fast-paced fintech environment.
- Company: High-growth fintech firm at the forefront of digital assets and payments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity participation, and strong benefits with hybrid working.
- Why this job: Shape compliance strategy and influence business growth in a dynamic sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in SMF16/SMF17 roles within FCA-regulated firms is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performing compliance team in a scaling business.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Sector: FinTech / Payments / Crypto
Type: Permanent
Salary: £200,000-£250,000 + Equity + Benefits
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a high-growth, venture-backed fintech and payments business operating at the forefront of digital assets and next-generation payments infrastructure. With rapid expansion across the UK and international markets, the business is now seeking a Chief Compliance Officer (SMF16 / SMF17) to take full ownership of compliance strategy and regulatory engagement.
The Role
This is a board-facing, SMF-level appointment, where you will lead the compliance function end-to-end, ensuring the business operates within FCA frameworks while enabling continued commercial growth. You will play a critical role in shaping regulatory strategy across both payments and crypto products, building a scalable, forward-thinking compliance environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO) responsibilities
- Lead and evolve the firm's compliance and financial crime frameworks
- Act as the primary point of contact with the FCA and relevant global regulators
- Oversee AML, KYC, sanctions, and transaction monitoring controls
- Advise the Board and executive team on regulatory risk and compliance strategy
- Support product innovation and market expansion from a regulatory perspective
- Build and scale a high-performing compliance and financial crime team
What We're Looking For
- Currently hold or have previously held SMF16 and/or SMF17 within an FCA-regulated firm (essential)
- Strong experience within fintech, payments, and/or crypto / digital assets
- Deep understanding of FCA regulation, EMI/PI frameworks, and financial crime compliance
- Experience operating in a high-growth or scaling environment
- Commercially minded, with the ability to balance risk, regulation, and growth
- Credible senior stakeholder engagement experience, including Board-level interaction
Why Join?
- Senior leadership role with significant influence on business strategy
- Exposure to both regulated payments and crypto ecosystems
- Opportunity to build and shape compliance in a scaling business
- Competitive salary, equity participation, and strong benefits
- Hybrid working model based in London
If you are an experienced SMF16 / SMF17 leader looking to take on a high-impact role within a fast-moving fintech environment, we’d be keen to connect.
Chief Compliance Officer - CCO - SMF16 SMF17 employer: We Are Dcoded Limited
Contact Detail:
We Are Dcoded Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Compliance Officer - CCO - SMF16 SMF17
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the fintech and compliance space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with SMF16 and SMF17 roles. Share specific examples of how you've navigated compliance challenges in fintech or crypto. This will show them you're the real deal!
✨Leverage LinkedIn
Make your LinkedIn profile shine! Update it with your latest achievements and skills relevant to compliance in fintech. Engage with posts from companies you're interested in and connect with decision-makers. It’s a great way to get noticed!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being seen by the hiring team. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Compliance Officer - CCO - SMF16 SMF17
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Compliance Officer role. Highlight your experience with SMF16 and SMF17, and showcase your understanding of FCA 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 the perfect fit for this role in the fintech space. Share specific examples of your achievements in compliance and how they relate to our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a board-facing role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. In your application, emphasise your experience in leading compliance teams and engaging with senior stakeholders. Let us know how you’ve influenced strategy in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at We Are Dcoded Limited
✨Know Your Regulations Inside Out
As a Chief Compliance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of FCA regulations and compliance frameworks. Brush up on the latest updates in financial crime compliance, AML, and KYC processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules but can also apply them strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is board-facing, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading compliance teams and engaging with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and scaled compliance functions in previous roles, especially in high-growth environments. This will illustrate your capability to influence business strategy effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world compliance scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in fintech or crypto, and how you navigated them. This will help you demonstrate your ability to balance risk and regulation while supporting product innovation.
✨Align with Company Values and Vision
Research the company's mission and values thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your vision for compliance aligns with their goals, especially regarding market expansion and regulatory engagement. Showing that you understand their business model and can contribute to its growth will set you apart from other candidates.