Group Head of Compliance/MLRO

About the Role

This role is a major opportunity for professional growth and career progression. We are looking for a strong, proactive compliance leader with a solid AML foundation, who is ready to take ownership, build and scale processes, and drive compliance as a strategic function across multiple entities, products, and jurisdictions. You will have high visibility, direct exposure to senior leadership, and the ability to shape compliance standards across the group - from more traditional EMI and payments compliance to complex and evolving areas including crypto-related processes.

Key Responsibilities

- Serve as the Group Head of Compliance/MLRO and act as a key point of contact with relevant regulators and external stakeholders (including the FCA where applicable). - Develop, implement, and maintain a robust group-wide compliance and financial crime prevention framework, aligned with applicable regulatory requirements and best practices. - Design and establish compliance policies, procedures, and controls, ensuring full coverage across the group’s entities, products, and operational processes. - Conduct and oversee risk assessments, transaction monitoring governance, suspicious activity reporting (SARs), and enhanced due diligence (EDD). - Prepare and submit relevant regulatory reports and compliance documentation (e.g., regulatory returns, financial crime reports, governance reporting, and SMCR-related responsibilities where applicable). - Act as a senior compliance leader under strong governance principles, ensuring accountability and clear oversight across the group’s compliance structure. - Advise the Board and senior management on compliance and financial crime risks, obligations, emerging trends, and best practices. - Provide training, guidance, and day-to-day support to teams to foster a strong compliance culture across the group. - Lead regulatory change management, ensuring the group stays ahead of evolving rules, industry standards, and financial crime typologies. - Scale and manage the compliance function as the group expands, providing leadership, mentorship, and operational structure. - Serve as an independent and trusted voice within the business, ensuring ethical and regulatory standards are met while supporting commercial growth. - Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to compliance and financial crime prevention. - Ensure robust customer due diligence processes, including identification and verification of clients and beneficial owners, and clear documentation of the nature and purpose of client relationships. - Document and maintain financial crime risk management policies and the group’s overall risk profile. - Oversee governance, resourcing, and implementation of transaction screening and monitoring systems, ensuring effectiveness and appropriate performance oversight. - Provide information and reporting to the governing body and senior management, including the annual MLRO report on the effectiveness of AML systems, controls, and financial crime risk management.

Requirements

- Proven track record in Compliance, MLRO (SMF17 / SMF16), Deputy MLRO, or similar compliance role within a regulated financial services environment (fintech, payments, EMI, banking, crypto, or related sectors). - Strong knowledge of UK regulatory and AML frameworks, including EMRs, PSD2, FCA Handbook, MLR 2017, and JMLSG guidance. - Demonstrated experience in building and improving compliance and AML frameworks from the ground up, including policies, procedures, controls, and governance. - Strong understanding of AML/CTF, sanctions, fraud, and financial crime risks, including transaction monitoring principles and risk-based controls design. - Experience in preparing and submitting regulatory returns and compliance reporting (including FCA-related reporting where applicable). - Excellent leadership skills with the ability to work hands-on and operationally, while also developing into a strategic leader capable of scaling the function and managing a team. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders and Board-level management. - High integrity, resilience, independence, and sound judgement, with the ability to balance regulatory requirements with commercial objectives. - Confidence to take ownership and lead processes end-to-end, while also knowing when to involve external expertise for specialised areas (e.g., complex cross-border requirements, crypto-related processes, or new regulatory expectations). - UK recognised AML / MLRO certification is preferred, such as CAMS (ACAMS) and/or ICA International Diploma in Anti Money Laundering / Compliance. - Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in compliance and AML roles. - Degree in finance, business administration, law, or a related field is preferred. - Right to work in the UK is required, and the candidate should be based in London (or within commuting distance). Languages Fluent English is required Russian language skills are a strong advantage

What we offer

A unique opportunity to join a high-growth international group at a senior leadership level. A group-level leadership role with real ownership and autonomy, with the ability to build and scale a best-in-class Compliance and AML function across the group. Significant career growth opportunities, including expanding scope, team-building, and long-term progression as the group scales. Exposure to a wide range of compliance challenges across multiple entities, products, and jurisdictions, including both traditional financial services and innovative processes. Competitive compensation package with potential long-term incentives. Hybrid working model and a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative working environment with ambitious growth plans.

Why this role?

This is a unique opportunity to lead and strengthen the financial crime and compliance framework of a growing FCA-regulated fintech. You will play a critical role in safeguarding the business while helping scale operations in a rapidly evolving payments environment.

Why Join Us

Join a fast-growing UK fintech where compliance and innovation work hand in hand. As MLRO, you will have direct impact on regulatory strategy, risk management, and the long-term success of the business. • Competitive compensation package • High-impact leadership role within a regulated fintech • Direct collaboration with senior leadership and regulators • Dynamic international working environment • Opportunity to shape and enhance compliance frameworks as the business grows