Head of Compliance & MLRO (SMF 16 & SMF 17)- UK

Antal International; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking institution in the UK seeks a Head of Compliance & MLRO to manage compliance oversight and financial crime prevention. This senior role involves overseeing compliance frameworks, engaging with regulatory bodies, and leading a high-performing team. Ideal candidates will hold a degree in Law, Finance, or Business, with a minimum of 10 years in compliance. The position offers strategic influence at senior levels and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Pension contributions

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ senior-level experience in compliance and financial crime.
• In-depth knowledge of FCA Handbook and UK AML regulations.
• Professional certification (e.g. ICA, CAMS) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Bank's Compliance and Financial Crime Frameworks.
• Act as the primary contact for compliance and AML matters.
• Lead and develop the Compliance and Financial Crime team.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Finance, Business

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Head of Compliance & MLRO (SMF 16 & SMF 17)- UK

col-narrow-left

Client:

Antal International

Location:

United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Reference:

d6077fbbdd63

Job Views:

6

Posted:

01.08.2025

Expiry Date:

15.09.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Compliance & MLRO (SMF 16 & SMF 17)- UK

Industry: Banking

Location: United Kingdom

Salary:
Competitive package + bonus + comprehensive benefits

Job Purpose:

The Head of Compliance & MLRO is the senior manager accountable for Compliance Oversight (SMF 16) and Money Laundering Reporting (SMF 17) under the FCA/PRA’s Senior Managers & Certification Regime. The role provides independent assurance to the Board and Senior Management that the Bank operates in full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, with a key focus on financial crime prevention. The role reports to the Chief Risk Officer, with direct escalation rights to the Chair of the Board Risk Committee.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintain and oversee the Bank’s Compliance and Financial Crime Frameworks, including the annual Compliance Monitoring Plan.

Ensure full adherence to FCA, PRA, JMLSG, POCA, MLR 2022, and related UK regulations.

Act as the primary point of contact with the FCA, PRA, NCA, and law enforcement bodies for compliance and AML matters.

Serve as the registered MLRO, responsible for receiving, investigating, and reporting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).

Oversee and continuously improve systems and controls for AML, CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and fraud prevention.

Provide regulatory advice across the business and ensure compliance input into new products, services, and promotions.

Lead the delivery of regular Compliance and AML training for staff and the Board.

Present regular Compliance and Financial Crime MI and reports to the Board Risk Committee.

Lead and develop the Compliance and Financial Crime team, ensuring appropriate SMCR certifications and performance standards.

Cultivate a strong compliance culture and embed conduct, risk awareness, and customer fairness throughout the Bank.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Law, Finance, Business, or related discipline.

Minimum of 10 years’ senior-level experience in compliance and financial crime within the UK banking or financial services sector.

In-depth knowledge of the FCA Handbook (e.g. SYSC, COND, COBS), PRA Rulebook, UK AML regulations, and Financial Crime legislation.

Previous or current holder of SMF 16 and/or SMF 17 is strongly preferred.

Professional certification (e.g. ICA, CAMS, ACAMS, CISI) is essential.

Legal or accountancy qualification is desirable but not mandatory.

Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver clear, decisive compliance advice to Board and senior leadership.

What the role Offers.

Strategic influence at senior executive and Board levels

Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing Compliance function

Private healthcare, pension contributions, and professional development support

A purpose-driven banking environment focused on compliance, risk management, and integrity

Check Your Resume for Match

Upload your resume and our tool will compare it to the requirements for this job like recruiters do.