MLRO (UK)

The client is a rapidly evolving FinTech company operating in the digital assets and payments space , expanding its footprint across regulated markets.

As part of its UK growth strategy, the company is seeking an experienced MLRO to take full ownership of its financial crime framework and regulatory obligations.

This is a critical leadership role with direct impact on safeguarding the business and ensuring compliance with UK AML regulations. You’ll work at the intersection of innovation and regulation, shaping a robust compliance culture in a high-growth environment.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the appointed MLRO under UK regulatory requirements, serving as the primary contact with relevant authorities, including the FCA;

• Maintain the company’s regulatory licenses (including payment institution permissions) and ensure all regulatory communications, reports, and submissions are accurate and timely;

• Design, implement, and continuously enhance the AML/CTF and broader compliance framework in line with FCA expectations, including for entities or activities outside direct financial supervision;

• Oversee transaction monitoring, suspicious activity investigations, and SAR submissions;

• Ensure timely identification, assessment, and escalation of financial crime and compliance risks across products, operations, and new business initiatives;

• Develop and maintain AML and compliance policies, procedures, internal controls, and risk-based compliance programs tailored to the company’s products and services (including UK merchant acquiring activities);

• Act as the central point of contact for all regulatory, compliance, and financial crime matters , both internally and externally;

• Provide strategic guidance to senior management on financial crime risks, regulatory developments, and the impact of legislative changes in the UK and internationally;

• Lead internal audits , compliance reviews, and regulatory reporting processes, supporting internal and external audit engagements and ensuring proper follow-up on findings;

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product, Operations, and Risk to embed compliance into business processes and product development;

• Ensure adherence to FCA requirements, relevant regulatory standards, internal policies, and codes of practice, including anti-corruption and bribery policies;

• Monitor regulatory developments and proactively assess their impact on the company, ensuring timely communication and implementation;

• Escalate and report any actual or suspected wrongdoing in accordance with internal governance and regulatory expectations.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO within a regulated UK financial institution or FinTech;

• Strong knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulation s, FCA requirements, and financial crime and compliance frameworks;

• Experience working with crypto, payments , or digital asset businesses is highly preferred;

• Demonstrated ability to interact with regulators and manage regulatory inspections;

• Strong analytical and investigative skills with attention to detail;

• Leadership experience with the ability to influence senior stakeholders;

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;

• Relevant certifications (e.g., ICA, ACAMS) are a strong advantage.

✨ The Employer Offers:

• High-impact leadership role in a growing international FinTech environment;

• Opportunity to shape and own the UK compliance function from the ground up;

• Competitive compensation aligned with seniority and market benchmarks;

• Flexible hybrid working model ;

• Collaborative, fast-paced, and innovation-driven culture;

• Exposure to digital assets and cutting-edge financial technologies;

• Career growth opportunities within an expanding global organisation.

If you’re ready to take ownership of financial crime compliance in a dynamic FinTech environment, let’s talk!