Head of Compliance & MLRO in London

www.cardandpaymentjobs.com; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A key player in the payments sector is seeking a Head of Compliance & MLRO. This position will lead and develop compliance and financial crime functions. Applicants should have strong compliance leadership experience in payments or e-money sectors, deep understanding of FCA frameworks, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. The role offers an opportunity to shape regulatory strategy within an established firm.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Compliance leadership within payments or e-money sectors.
• Deep understanding of AML/CTF and financial crime prevention.
• Hands-on experience with regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of compliance manuals and monitoring tools.
• Oversee CDD/KYC and all onboarding processes.
• Manage transaction monitoring programme and compliance audits.
• Prepare regulatory submissions and reports.

Skills

Compliance leadership

Understanding of FCA regulatory frameworks

Influencing senior stakeholders

Managing audits

Compliance monitoring

Regulatory reporting

Risk management

Job description

🧭 Head of Compliance & MLRO

Location: London office 2-3 times a week

Our client, a leading electronic money organisation in the payments and fintech sector, is seeking a Head of Compliance & MLRO to lead and develop their compliance and financial crime function. This is a key role overseeing the firm’s compliance framework, risk management, and regulatory relationships — ensuring the business remains fully aligned with FCA, AML, and e-money requirements.

🔍 Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ongoing development of compliance manuals, frameworks, and monitoring tools.
• Oversee CDD/KYC, PEP & sanctions screening, and all onboarding processes
• Manage the firm’s transaction monitoring programme, ensuring timely review and escalation of alerts.
• Deliver and maintain an effective Compliance and Financial Crime Monitoring Programme.
• Prepare and oversee regulatory submissions and reports to the FCA and other authorities.
• Provide expert regulatory guidance on complaints handling and FOS cases.
• Monitor and interpret updates from FCA, JMLSG, HMRC, ESMA, and FATF, implementing changes into policies and controls.
• Manage external compliance audits, from defining scope to remediation.
• Oversee Risk Management strategy and Risk Appetite frameworks.
• Deliver engaging compliance and AML training across the business.
• Act as key adviser to the Managing Director on all compliance and regulatory matters.

🎯 About You

• Strong and proven track record in Compliance leadership within payments, BIN sponsorship, prepaid, or e-money environments.
• Deep understanding of FCA regulatory frameworks, AML/CTF, and financial crime prevention.
• Confident communicator capable of influencing senior stakeholders and regulators.
• Hands‑on experience managing audits, compliance monitoring, and regulatory reporting.
• Pragmatic, detail‑oriented, and commercially aware.

🌟 Why Apply?

This is an exciting opportunity to take full ownership of the compliance and MLRO function within an established and dynamic payments firm, shaping regulatory strategy and driving best practice across the business.