Head of Financial Crime Ops: AML/CTF/CDD Leader

Starling Bank; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 115,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance with Vitalty

25 days holiday

Cycle to Work

Perkbox membership

EV leasing

Job summary

Starling Bank is seeking a Head of Financial Crime Operations to lead end-to-end AML, CTF, and due diligence across multiple teams. The role reports to the Director of Specialist Banking Operations and governs risk-aligned operations in a hybrid, UK-based environment with office visits as needed.

You will drive a risk-based, data-driven operating model, maintain high-quality alert handling, and partner with 2nd Line Risk, Compliance, and other functions to embed regulatory updates and

Qualifications

• Deep subject matter expertise in UK Financial Crime regulatory guidelines, MLRs, JMLSG, PEPs, and Sanctions.
• Technical competency in understanding models, data, MI, statistical analysis, and operational workflows.
• Proven track record of managing large scale, complex financial crime operations, customer onboarding, and risk frameworks within regulated banking.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end Operations performance and delivery for AML, CTF, CDD, and EDD.
• Lead recruitment, development and capacity planning for a large frontline team.
• Identify opportunities to optimise processes and improve customer outcomes in Financial Crime Operations.
• Manage budgeting, resourcing decisions, and governance for the function.

Skills

Financial crime

Data analytics

Risk management

Leadership

Job description

Starling Bank is seeking a Head of Financial Crime Operations to lead end-to-end AML, CTF, and due diligence across multiple teams. The role reports to the Director of Specialist Banking Operations and governs risk-aligned operations in a hybrid, UK-based environment with office visits as needed.

You will drive a risk-based, data-driven operating model, maintain high-quality alert handling, and partner with 2nd Line Risk, Compliance, and other functions to embed regulatory updates and