Head of compliance & MLRO (SMF16/17)

Head of Compliance & MLRO (SMF16 / SMF17)

Location

London, United Kingdom

Company Overview

An FCA–regulated institutional financial services firm providing liquidity, execution, and market access solutions to professional and institutional clients globally. The firm operates within a dynamic regulatory environment and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance, financial crime prevention, and regulatory governance.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF16/SMF17) to lead the firm's compliance and financial crime framework.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining an effective regulatory compliance programme, overseeing the firm's anti–money laundering and financial crime controls, and acting as the principal liaison with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other relevant authorities.

This is a senior leadership role requiring a strong understanding of FCA regulation, wholesale and institutional markets, financial crime risk management, and governance within regulated investment firms.

Key Responsibilities

SMF16 – Compliance Oversight

• Maintain and enhance the firm's compliance framework in accordance with FCA requirements.
• Provide independent oversight and challenge across all business activities.
• Advise senior management and the Board on regulatory developments and their impact on the business.
• Oversee the compliance monitoring programme and ensure timely remediation of findings.
• Ensure compliance with applicable FCA Handbook requirements, including Conduct Rules and Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR).
• Lead regulatory engagement and manage relationships with the FCA.
• Prepare and present compliance reports to senior management and the Board.
• Oversee regulatory change initiatives and implementation projects.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance throughout the organisation.

SMF17 – Money Laundering Reporting Officer

• Act as the firm's nominated MLRO under applicable UK regulations.
• Maintain and continuously develop the firm's AML, CTF, sanctions, and financial crime framework.
• Conduct and oversee firm–wide financial crime risk assessments.
• Review and determine escalation of internal suspicious activity reports (SARs).
• Manage external reporting obligations, including submissions to the National Crime Agency where appropriate.
• Ensure effective customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and ongoing monitoring controls.
• Oversee transaction monitoring and sanctions screening arrangements.
• Deliver financial crime reporting to senior management and the Board.
• Maintain effective relationships with regulators, law enforcement agencies, and external auditors.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Significant experience within a regulated financial services environment.
• Previous experience as SMF16, SMF17, MLRO, Deputy MLRO, Head of Compliance, or equivalent senior compliance position.
• Strong knowledge of FCA regulation and UK financial crime legislation.
• Experience within one or more of:
• Institutional FX
• Prime Brokerage
• CFD and derivatives markets
• Electronic trading
• Capital markets
• Investment firms
• Liquidity providers
• Proven experience engaging directly with the FCA and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of AML, sanctions, market abuse, and conduct risk frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance commercial objectives with regulatory requirements.

Desirable

• Prior FCA–approved SMF16 and/or SMF17 status.
• Experience within a fast–growing institutional brokerage or trading environment.
• Knowledge of MiFID, market abuse surveillance, best execution, and wholesale conduct requirements.
• Relevant professional qualifications (ICA, CISI, ACAMS, or equivalent).