Job Title: MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance
Location: London (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: up to £150,000 Base plus bonus and benefits
** Previous SMF17 experience is advantageous but not essential - the client is also open to considering candidates ready to step into their first approved role **
The Opportunity
A well-established international bank is seeking an experienced MLRO to lead its financial crime compliance function in the UK. This is a senior leadership role with SMF17 responsibility, reporting directly to the Head of Compliance and engaging regularly with executive leadership and regulatory authorities.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the registered Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17), maintaining oversight of all AML/CTF, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption (ABC), and fraud prevention frameworks.
* Serve as the main point of contact for the National Crime Agency, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement, ensuring timely and accurate suspicious activity reporting (SARs).
* Develop and maintain robust AML and financial crime policies, procedures, and risk assessments in line with UK regulatory expectations and international standards.
* Deliver annual MLRO reporting to the Board and key committees, and oversee completion of regulatory returns (e.g., REP-CRIM).
* Provide expert training to staff at all levels on financial crime obligations and ensure a culture of compliance across the business.
* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems and controls, proposing enhancements where needed.
* Lead and support internal investigations into financial crime concerns and ensure appropriate remediation actions.
* Deputise for the Head of Compliance when necessary and contribute to broader compliance and regulatory change initiatives.
What We’re Looking For
* Significant experience in a financial crime leadership role, ideally within banking or a regulated financial institution.
* Deep understanding of UK regulatory requirements, particularly those related to AML/CTF, sanctions, and anti-corruption.
* Experience working with or within emerging markets is highly advantageous.
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with senior management and regulators.
* A hands-on, proactive approach and the ability to lead and develop teams effectively.
Why Apply?
* Join a stable, growing institution with strong international links.
* Influence the design and implementation of the firm’s financial crime framework.
* Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership in a high-impact role.
* Hybrid working and a competitive benefits package.