Global Head of Financial Crime

Robert Walters; London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent employment agency is seeking a Global Head of Financial Crime in London. This leadership position involves overseeing financial crime risk management and compliance, advising senior leadership, and ensuring effective organizational practices. The ideal candidate will be an experienced MLRO with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills. This is an opportunity to define a global strategy and lead a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in financial crime compliance.
• Proven track record as an MLRO.
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Board on regulatory change and emerging risks.
• Serve as MLRO overseeing AML and CTF.
• Design and implement compliance frameworks.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership in compliance

Risk management

Financial crime knowledge

Job description

Overview

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

• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Opportunities

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