At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in fraud and financial crime, shaping strategy and driving performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic fintech focused on innovation and customer protection.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for international work.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with a strong focus on inclusion and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role while embracing AI and automation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in financial services with expertise in fraud operations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re building a Fraud and Financial Crime Tribe focused on protecting the bank and our customers across the full customer lifecycle. This is a senior leadership role leading the Operations function across Fraud Ops and Fin Crime Ops, overseeing teams across London, Manchester and an outsourced operation in South Africa. You’ll shape the future operating model for the function, influencing how technology, automation and organisational design evolve as the business scales. You’ll work closely with Product, Engineering, Risk, Compliance, Fraud Strategy and the MLRO, acting as a senior voice in decisions with broad operational, customer and regulatory impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction for Fraud Ops and FinCrime Ops, shaping structure, standards and operating models.
- Own organisational design, workforce planning and operational budget across the function.
- Lead operational performance, using MI and insight to drive accountability and improvement.
- Partner with Product and Engineering teams to shape automation strategy and operational processes.
- Drive adoption of AI and automation across the function.
- Represent Operations in senior governance, regulatory and audit discussions where required.
- Ensure strong governance, controls and regulatory compliance across the function.
- Build leadership capability, succession plans and long‑term talent pipelines across Operations.
About You
- Experienced senior operational leader with a strong track record managing large‑scale teams within regulated financial services or fintech.
- Deep expertise across fraud and financial crime operations, including governance, controls and customer outcomes.
- Proven experience leading operational transformation across technology, processes and operating models.
- Commercially minded with experience managing budgets, operational investment and third‑party relationships.
- Excited by AI and automation, with a clear view on how technology can reshape operational functions responsibly.
- Strong cross‑functional leader who influences effectively across Product, Engineering, Risk and Compliance.
- Strategic, data‑driven and highly pragmatic, with strong operational judgement.
- Strong people leader who develops high‑performing teams and future leadership capability.
Bonus (Optional)
- Experience within digital banking or fast‑growth fintech environments.
- Knowledge of APP fraud, SAR obligations, Consumer Duty and vulnerable customer handling.
- Experience managing outsourced operational teams.
- Exposure to regulatory engagement with the FCA, auditors or industry bodies.
- Familiarity with modern fraud tooling and operational analytics platforms.
Location & Working Hours
This hybrid role requires you to come to our London office 2‑3 days a week. You’ll also have the option of working from abroad for up to 120 days a year, subject to having the right to work in the country of choice.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Zopa is proud to offer a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture for our people. We are made up of nearly 50 nationalities and have a DE&I forum dedicated to making a difference. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process, so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Associate Director, Fraud & Financial Crime Operations employer: Zopa Bank
At Zopa, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an Associate Director in our Fraud & Financial Crime Operations, you'll benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth through leadership development and strategic influence across teams. With the flexibility of hybrid working and opportunities to work abroad, alongside our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Zopa is dedicated to creating a meaningful and rewarding workplace for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Fraud & Financial Crime Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the financial services or fintech space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in fraud and financial crime operations. This will give you an edge during interviews and show that you mean business.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their goals—this could open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s culture and values. Research our approach to diversity and inclusion, and be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with our mission. Authenticity goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Fraud & Financial Crime Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Associate Director, Fraud & Financial Crime Operations. Highlight your experience in managing large-scale teams and your expertise in fraud and financial crime operations. 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 excited about this role and how you can shape the future operating model for our Fraud Ops and FinCrime Ops. Let us know how your strategic mindset and leadership skills can drive our mission forward.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've led operational transformations or improved performance in previous roles. We love seeing data-driven results that highlight your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zopa Bank
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and challenges in fraud and financial crime operations. Brush up on your knowledge of APP fraud, SAR obligations, and how AI can reshape operational functions. This will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing large-scale teams and driving operational transformation. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to influence cross-functional teams and develop high-performing talent. This role is all about leadership, so let that shine through!
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company’s strategic direction and how the Fraud Ops and FinCrime Ops fit into the bigger picture. Be ready to discuss how you would shape the future operating model and drive accountability using MI and insights. This shows you’re thinking ahead and are aligned with their goals.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their approach to governance, controls, and regulatory compliance, or how they envision the adoption of AI and automation evolving. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
