Head of Financial Crime & MLRO

Secure Trust Bank Ltd; Kidderminster; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Financial Crime and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). This pivotal role involves leading the Financial Crime team, overseeing the Financial Crime Risk Framework, and providing strategic advice to senior stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in financial crime risk management and a strong understanding of UK regulations. The position offers hybrid working and competitive benefits, making it a great opportunity for motivated professionals.

Benefits

Hybrid working (50% in office)

Private healthcare

Bonus scheme

Flexible benefits

Recognition programs

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial crime risk management at senior level (2LOD).
• Strong knowledge of UK AML and CTF regulations, including fraud, PEPs, sanctions, transaction monitoring, SARs.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders with confidence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Financial Crime team to meet strategic objectives.
• Own the Financial Crime Risk Framework and provide governance oversight.
• Act as MLRO overseeing subsidiary companies and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Financial crime risk management

UK AML and CTF regulations

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory guidance

Risk appetite understanding

Job description

Overview

Shape the Future of Financial Crime Risk Management At Secure Trust Bank, we're on an exciting transformation journey – growing at pace while safeguarding our customers and the integrity of our business. Our Financial Crime function is central to this mission, and we're looking for a Senior Financial Crime leader to join us as Head of Financial Crime and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). This is a pivotal role where you'll set strategy, lead a high‑performing team, and influence senior leaders to ensure we stay ahead of regulatory developments and industry standards.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and inspire the Financial Crime team, ensuring it's resourced, equipped, and motivated to deliver against strategic objectives.
• Own the Financial Crime Risk Framework, including AML and CTF, and oversee governance, monitoring, advisory, and regulatory guidance.
• Act as MLRO for Secure Trust Bank, with oversight of subsidiary companies, holding prescribed and overall responsibilities under SMF17.
• Provide expert advice and challenge to the Board, Executive Committee, and regulators – balancing commercial objectives with risk appetite.

About the Company

We're not just another specialist lender. We've doubled in size in five years, launched new businesses, and embraced cutting‑edge technology to transform how we operate. We're proud to be a Great Place to Work, where colleagues feel respected, can be themselves, and thrive.

Diversity matters to us. We know we're stronger because of our differences. We actively celebrate diversity and work with leading industry bodies to create an environment where everyone can succeed.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial crime risk management at senior level (2LOD).
• Strong knowledge of UK AML and CTF regulations, including fraud, PEPs, sanctions, transaction monitoring, SARs, and anti‑fraud systems.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders with confidence and clarity.
• Previous MLRO experience is not essential – Deputy MLRO experience is desirable.

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, but we can't achieve our customer‑focused strategy without the right people on our team. At Secure Trust Bank, we know that people are our biggest investment, which is why a career with us is not just a job. It's the chance to be part of something bigger, to add real value to the Bank and help us constantly improve, in order to achieve our ambition of becoming the best bank in Britain. We believe in giving our staff autonomy, with initiative and exceptional performance recognised through a variety of individual and team awards and incentives. All our employees have a tangible impact on the Group's core values, and we are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic, proactive and enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment. So join us as we strive to Grow, Sustain and Love the way we work.

We welcome applications from candidates who bring different perspectives and experiences. If you meet most of the criteria and are excited about the role, we'd love to hear from you.

What’s on Offer

• Hybrid working (50% in office)
• A collaborative, inclusive culture where your voice matters.
• Competitive salary, private healthcare, bonus scheme, share save plan, and a suite of flexible benefits.
• Recognition programs that celebrate individual and team success.
• Opportunities to shape strategy and make a real impact in a growing, dynamic business.