Head of Compliance - Financial Crime and Advisory Services

Zurich 56 Company Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Compliance to manage a team focused on regulatory adherence and financial crime. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in compliance, specifically related to AML and fraud. This role offers a flexible working model, competitive benefits including a non-contributory pension and annual bonuses, and opportunities for professional development and leadership within the firm.

Benefits

Defined non-contributory pension scheme

Annual company bonus

Private medical insurance

Access to wellbeing partners and support services

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of compliance experience in the financial services industry.
• Excellent technical knowledge of AML, economic sanctions, and fraud.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and judgment skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Lead interaction with first-line financial-crime teams.
• Oversee delivery of regulatory services and compliance risks.

Skills

Compliance experience in financial services

Technical knowledge of AML

Strong communication skills

Leadership skills

Commercial acumen

Education

Diploma in Financial Planning or Insurance

Broad knowledge of UK regulatory framework

Job description

Head of Compliance - Financial Crime and Advisory Services

Working hours: Part‑time, job‑share or full‑time.

Location: London (travel to Swindon and Fareham).

Job ID: 128273

As Head of Compliance – Financial Crime and Advisory Services, you will manage a team that supports the business with understanding and adhering to complex regulatory requirements. The team will include financial‑crime technical experts and compliance advisors. You will oversee delivery of technical financial‑crime expertise and regulatory services to relevant business areas, embed technical expertise and oversight processes, manage compliance risks, and advise on controls and monitoring.

You will lead interaction with the first‑line financial‑crime team, embed a robust oversight framework, engage regulatory bodies, support senior management, and create reports for boards and committees. You will work closely with Swiss and European colleagues and facilitate continuous improvement.

Key Accountabilities

• Improve compliance standards through clear guidance and fair challenge.
• Integrate regulatory requirements and customer focus into all activities.
• Develop and maintain governance, policy and controls in the second line.
• Deliver accurate reporting and MI.
• Engage regulators, trade bodies and law enforcement; implement new developments.
• Operationalise financial‑crime activities: advice, reporting, stakeholder management, investigations.
• Manage the second‑line team and support senior management.
• Maintain relationships with regulators and third‑party partners.
• Stay abreast of regulatory and business change.
• Share expertise internally and externally.
• Escalate issues to senior management.
• Establish and enhance compliance procedures.
• Deputise for the Head of Compliance as needed.
• Set and review annual objectives for direct reports.
• Provide strategy, training and governance to the team.
• Support business with regulatory issues, ad hoc queries and change programmes.
• Oversee the External Change Review Group process on behalf of Legal.
• Organise an effective relationship‑management model.
• Act as or delegate the appointed advisor on project work.
• Allocate support for internal compliance risk assessments.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships across the business.

What We’re Looking For

• At least 5 years of compliance experience in the financial services industry.
• Excellent technical knowledge of AML, economic sanctions and fraud.
• Experience or willingness to obtain qualifications such as Diploma in Financial Planning or Insurance.
• Broad knowledge of the Insurance and Investment industry and the UK regulatory framework.
• Proficiency with the FCA Handbook, Financial Services & Markets Act, PRA Handbook and related legislation.
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, decision‑making and judgement skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to influence senior management.
• Leadership skills and the capacity to inspire and transform a team.

What You’ll Get in Return

• 12 % defined non‑contributory pension scheme.
• Annual company bonus.
• Income protection.
• Life cover – four times your salary.
• 28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays.
• Option to swap UK bank holidays for culturally/religiously significant days.
• Option to buy or sell up to an additional 20 holiday days.
• Three days paid volunteering.Up to 16 weeks full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Private medical insurance.
• Virtual GP appointments.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free flu jab.
• Access to wellbeing partners and support services.

Our Impact

• Committed to sustainability – first insurer to sign the UN Business Ambition for 1.5 °C pledge.
• Charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, has awarded grants and volunteered time worth over £90 million.

Culture and Inclusion

Zurich values diversity and inclusion, ensuring all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully. We support wellbeing in all areas – physical, mental, social and financial – and provide training and development opportunities. We encourage volunteering and community engagement.

Senior Management Functions (SMFs)

This role is a Senior Management Function under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), subject to regulatory approval. The successful candidate will be offered the position subject to completion of regulatory reference requirements.

Certified Persons

This is a Certification Regime role under the Fitness & Propriety standards of SM&CR. The successful candidate will be offered the position subject to completion of regulatory reference requirements.

Additional Notes

Please discuss your flexibility needs during the interview and let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support required.

Tag

#LI-Hybrid