Head of Compliance & MLRO - UK

Antal International Network; United Kingdom; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution is seeking a Head of Compliance & MLRO to ensure the Bank operates under FCA and PRA regulations. This senior role requires a strong background in compliance, financial crime, and leadership skills. A Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience are essential. The ideal candidate will build and lead a high-performing Compliance function in a purpose-driven environment.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Pension contributions

Professional development support

Qualifications

• 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 and UK AML regulations.
• Legal or accountancy qualification is desirable but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and oversee the Bank’s Compliance and Financial Crime Frameworks.
• Act as the primary point of contact with the FCA, PRA, NCA, and law enforcement bodies.
• Lead the delivery of regular Compliance and AML training for staff and the Board.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Ability to work under pressure

Education

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

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

Job description

Job Title: Head of Compliance & MLRO – UK

Location: United Kingdom

Job Purpose:

The Head of Compliance & MLRO is the senior manager accountable for Compliance Oversight and Money Laundering Reporting under the FCA/PRA’s regulatory framework. 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. Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, this role holds 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 management information and reports to the Board Risk Committee.
• Lead and develop the Compliance and Financial Crime team, ensuring appropriate 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.
• 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.

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