Global Head of Financial Crime

Robert Walters; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Global Head of Financial Crime. This pivotal role requires senior leadership experience in financial crime compliance, where you will advise on regulatory changes and lead a high-performing team. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills and a proven MLRO background, influencing at the highest levels of the organization.

Qualifications

• Proven track record as an MLRO.
• Strong influencing skills at Board and regulator level.
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Advise Board on regulatory change and emerging risks.
• Serve as MLRO overseeing compliance.
• Design and implement robust compliance framework.
• Oversee risk assessments and thematic reviews.
• Promote proactive risk management culture.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in financial crime compliance

Stakeholder management

Team leadership and development

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional senior financial crime leader to take on the role of Global Head of Financial Crime. This is a pivotal position with global scope, responsible for shaping and delivering a group-wide financial crime risk management and transformation programme.

As Head of Financial Crime & MLRO, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, establish a global centre of excellence, and represent the organisation with regulators and industry bodies.

This is a fabulous opportunity to define and deliver the global financial crime strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and risk appetite, while leading and inspiring a high-performing financial crime team.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Advise the Board and senior leadership on regulatory change, emerging risks, and industry best practice.
• Serve as MLRO with oversight of AML, CTF, sanctions, fraud prevention, anti-bribery/corruption, and tax evasion.
• Ensure effective client onboarding and risk-based due diligence processes.
• Design, implement, and maintain a robust framework of policies, procedures, and controls.
• Partner with business units to embed proportionate, business-friendly compliance processes.
• Oversee risk assessments, thematic reviews, and continuous monitoring.
• Drive talent development, succession planning, and knowledge sharing.
• Promote a culture of integrity and proactive risk management across the organisation.

The successful candidate will have significant senior leadership experience in financial crime compliance with a proven track record as an MLRO. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at Board and regulator level are essential, alongside experience building, leading, and developing high-performing teams.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic leadership team and take full ownership of a global financial crime function. You will have the scope and support to set the agenda, influence at the highest levels, and shape the future of financial crime compliance across an international business.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates