Head of Compliance & MLRO

Robert Walters UK; Remote; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking a Head of Compliance & MLRO to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements while overseeing anti-money laundering and compliance frameworks. Located in London with remote working opportunities, this role requires significant experience in compliance management and the authority to challenge business decisions. Candidates should be prepared for personal accountability within this critical role, ideally with relevant certifications. Competitive salary is negotiable based on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in compliance management and oversight of financial regulations.
• Strong understanding of AML and CTF frameworks.
• Ability to challenge business decisions as a senior leader.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to FCA Handbook rules and internal policies.
• Oversee anti-money laundering compliance and liaise with law enforcement.
• Prepare and submit the Annual MLRO Report to the board.

Skills

Compliance management

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

Risk assessment

Data protection

Job description

Head of Compliance & MLRO role based in London. Head office in London but can be fully remote.

We are a P2P Lending company and in a perfect world would like to have a person in this role who has experience in this area. Initially we would ask that the candidate be prepared to work under the current incumbent of the role working towards taking it over in full within say 6 months or less.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Compliance Manager (SMF16): Focuses on a broad mandate, ensuring the firm adheres to all FCA Handbook rules and internal policies. Duties include monitoring regulatory changes, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing data protection. The role would include:
  • Board reporting on SMCR
  • Updating Policies and Procedures and maintaining registers
  • CASS reporting but not oversight
  • Financial Promotion oversight, using tools provided
  • Liaising with compliance advisors
  • FCA reporting, monthly, weekly, quarterly, annually and as required
  • Ensuring schedules are submitted within required time frames
  • Complyportal
  • GDPR/ ICO
  • Oversight of Customer Services
  • Complaints register and FOS
  • Breaches
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • Any other duties as required
• MLRO (SMF17): Specifically oversees Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter‑Terrorist Financing (CTF) frameworks. Liaising with law enforcement (e.g., the National Crime Agency (NCA)) and responsible for investigating and filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).

Core Requirements

• Seniority & Authority: The FCA expects MLROs to be senior leaders with sufficient authority to challenge business decisions and access all company records.
• Personal Accountability: These roles carry significant personal liability; failure to report suspicious activities can lead to fines or imprisonment under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
• Qualifications: While not always mandatory on appointment, a form of certification would be a bonus and courses can be arranged.
• Reporting: The MLRO must submit an Annual MLRO Report to the board of directors, reviewing the effectiveness of the firm’s financial crime controls.

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

About the job

• Contract Type: Permanent
• Focus: Compliance
• Workplace Type: Remote
• Experience Level: Director
• Location: London
• Specialism: Risk & Compliance
• Industry: Financial Services
• Salary: Negotiable

Job Reference: RBACW5-D7B3AE28

Date posted: 26 January 2026

Consultant: George Warrington