MLRO / Head of Financial Crime

We are a leading trading platform that is ambitiously expanding to the four corners of the globe. Our top-rated products have won prestigious industry awards for their cutting-edge technology and seamless client experience. We deliver only the best, so we are always in search of the best people to join our ever-growing talented team.

Responsibilities

Capital.com is hiring a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) & Head of Financial Crime for our UK crypto business. This is a certified FCA function (SMF17) under the UK’s MLR2017 crypto registration framework. You’ll lead the AML/CTF and financial crime programme across all crypto services offered by the firm.

You’ll act as the key point of contact for the FCA on all matters relating to financial crime, and be responsible for the end-to-end design and ongoing ownership of our AML/CTF controls, risk assessments, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting.

This role is strategic, but very much hands-on: you’ll build and manage a scalable Financial Crime function, working closely with senior stakeholders across Compliance, Legal, Product and Tech.

Regulatory and MLRO accountabilities:

• Act as the registered MLRO under MLR2017 and hold SMF17 status with the FCA.
• Own the firm’s AML/CTF framework , including internal policies, business-wide risk assessments, and procedures for onboarding, monitoring, and escalation.
• Maintain and continuously update the BWRA (Business-Wide Risk Assessment) and CRA (Customer Risk Assessment), tailored to cryptoasset-specific risks.
• Oversee internal SAR reviews and submissions to the NCA , including post-filing engagement and internal governance reporting.
• Serve as the main FCA liaison for AML/CTF queries, thematic reviews, and supervisory meetings.
• Ensure CDD reliance on Capital.com meets MLR2017 requirements, including appropriate reliance agreements and control mapping. 

Financial Crime oversight:

• Build and lead the Financial Crime team , managing general and crypto-specific risks including: AML/CTF, sanctions, PEPs, transactional fraud, on-chain activity, market abuse (where relevant).
• Define and enforce crypto transaction monitoring rules using tools like Chainalysis or Crystal. Approve rule thresholds, tuning, and alert review standards.
• Lead reviews of high-risk clients and crypto transaction patterns , including wallet behaviour, geography, and source of funds.
• Own escalation procedures and internal governance updates related to financial crime matters (e.g., weekly ML alerts report to ExCo, quarterly risk committee updates).
• Integrate financial crime risk management into product design, crypto flow architecture, and API-based onboarding with Capital.com.
• Oversee and conduct financial crime training across the firm - tailored by role and updated regularly.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as MLRO or Deputy MLRO in a UK cryptoasset firm, PSP, EMI, or investment firm with crypto exposure.
• Deep knowledge of UK MLR2017, FATF standards, JMLSG guidance, and FCA crypto registration expectations .
  
• Hands-on experience with crypto AML tooling and monitoring systems (Chainalysis, Elliptic, Crystal).
  
• Proven track record in SAR management and FCA/NCA engagement .
  
• Able to draft and maintain BWRA, CRA, and AML/CTF policies tailored to crypto activities.
• Eligible for FCA SMF17 approval .
  

Nice to have:

• ICA Diploma in Financial Crime or AML, CAMS, CFCS or equivalent certification.
• Experience operating within API-reliant onboarding and CDD models .
• Familiarity with custodial wallet infrastructure , Fireblocks, and transaction flow design.
• Exposure to cross-jurisdictional crypto compliance (MiCA, VARA) is a bonus.

What you will get in return:

• Competitive Salary:  We believe great work deserves great pay! Your skills and talents will be rewarded with a salary that makes you feel valued and motivated.
• Work-Life Harmony:  Join a company that genuinely cares about you -  because your life outside of work matters just as much as your time on the clock.
• Annual Performance Bonus:  Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed! Celebrate your achievements with a well-deserved annual bonus tied to your performance.
• Generous Time Off:  Need a breather? Our annual leave policy lets you recharge and enjoy life outside of work without a worry.
• Employee Referral Program:  Love working here? Share the love! Bring your talented friends on board and get rewarded for growing our awesome team.
• Comprehensive Health & Pension Benefits:  From medical insurance to pension plans, we’ve got your back. Plus, location-specific benefits and perks!
• Workation Wonderland:  Live your digital nomad dreams with 30 extra days to work remotely from anywhere in the world (some restrictions apply). Adventure awaits!
• Volunteer Days:  Make a difference! Take two additional paid days each year to support causes you care about and give back to the community.

Be a key player at the forefront of the digital assets movement, propelling your career to new heights! Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding company that values and rewards talent, initiative, and creativity. Work alongside one of the most brilliant teams in the industry.