Head of Compliance

Barclay Simpson; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial infrastructure firm in London is seeking a Head of Compliance to lead FCA authorisation and build a robust compliance framework. The role requires 5–7 years in compliance with strong knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulations. This position offers competitive salary, equity, and opportunities for impact within a mission-driven team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous equity offering

Flexibility and autonomy

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in a regulated Compliance or MLRO role.
• Strong experience across UK AML/CTF and MiFID regulation.
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-accountability environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK FCA authorisation process.
• Drive all DSS-related regulatory engagement.
• Build and implement an AML/CTF framework.
• Own monitoring, testing, and reporting.

Skills

Regulated Compliance experience

UK AML/CTF knowledge

MiFID regulation experience

FCA engagement

Job description

New Opportunity – Head of Compliance (SMF16/17)

London | Hybrid | Digital Assets | Competitive Salary + Equity

Introduction

I’m working with an innovative financial infrastructure firm that’s reshaping how tokenised assets are structured and accessed. Backed by a team with experience at top-tier institutions, they’re seeking a Compliance professional to take on SMF16 and SMF17 responsibilities as they progress through FCA authorisation and the Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS).

Role Overview

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the compliance framework of a high-growth fintech from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK FCA authorisation process
• Drive all DSS-related regulatory engagement
• Build and implement a fit-for-purpose AML/CTF framework
• Own and deliver monitoring, testing, and reporting
• Report directly to the UK CEO and work closely with senior leadership

Requirements

• 5–7 years in a regulated Compliance or MLRO role
• Strong experience across UK AML/CTF and MiFID regulation
• Previous FCA engagement and ideally SMF exposure
• Someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-accountability environments

What We Offer

• Real ownership of the compliance function
• Competitive salary and generous equity offering
• Work alongside ex-bulge bracket and fintech leaders
• Flexibility, autonomy, and a mission-driven team

We seek individuals from a diverse talent pool and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply to our vacancies. Our commitment to fair recruitment processes means that we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of their lived experience or personal characteristics. We also invite applicants who meet most of the listed requirements, even if not all, to apply. If you require any adjustments to the application process, please let us know.

Barclay Simpson acts as an Employment Agency for permanent positions and an Employment Business for temporary/contract engagements.