QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; professional compliance certifications (CAMS, ICA, CRCM) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years compliance experience within a UK FCA-regulated financial institution (EMI, PI, bank, broker); proven background in KYB/KYC, compliance governance, and risk analysis.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of FCA EMI regulations, the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, and UK AML/CTF law.
• Analytical & Communication Skills: Ability to analyse complex regulatory requirements, assess risk, and communicate effectively with regulatory bodies and internal stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Strong skills in regulatory reporting, compliance documentation, and risk management.
• Personal Attributes: Self-motivated, proactive, independent, ethically minded, and forward-thinking mindset.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Compliance Officer & MLRO to lead their regulatory compliance and financial crime risk management for their FCA-regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI). The successful candidate will ensure full adherence to UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations, the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, and global financial crime standards, while supporting the firm’s operational integrity and safeguarding their clients and business from regulatory and AML/CTF risks.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regulatory Compliance & FCA Engagement.
• Oversee compliance with the FCA’s regulatory framework for EMIs, including SMCR, Consumer Duty, and AML/CFT rules.
• Serve as the main liaison for all FCA queries, supervision, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and submit regulatory reports, audit responses, and licensing documents accurately and promptly.
• Monitor regulatory developments and implement policy/procedural updates in line with FCA Handbook, Money Laundering Regulations, and industry best practice.
• Maintain, review, and enhance internal risk frameworks, compliance manuals, and operational procedures to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with client fund safeguarding, capital adequacy standards, and all FCA EMI-specific reporting obligations.
• AML/CFT Compliance & Financial Crime Prevention
• Appointed as MLRO, lead all AML/CTF and Sanctions program responsibilities.
• Manage robust KYC/KYB onboarding and ongoing account monitoring, including source of funds/wealth checks.
• Operate advanced transaction monitoring systems to detect and investigate money laundering, terrorist financing, and suspicious trading activities.
• Conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and complex cross-border activities.
• Prepare and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) and other relevant authorities.
• Oversee sanctions screening (OFAC, EU, UN, HMT) and ensure compliance with financial crime prevention guidelines.