Head of Financial Crime - SMF17

Broadgate; Leeds; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Risk, Compliance, Financial Crime to ensure compliance with UK financial crime legislation. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in compliance monitoring and previously held the SMF17 certification. Responsibilities include leading AML/CTF frameworks, providing guidance to stakeholders, and acting as a liaison with regulators. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for this role located in Leeds, United Kingdom.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior compliance monitoring role within an FCA-regulated firm.
• Previously held the SMF17 is essential.
• Expert knowledge of UK AML/CTF legislation and FCA regulatory requirements.
• Expert knowledge of UK AML/CTF legislation and FCA regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and maintenance of AML/CTF and financial crime prevention frameworks.
• Keep up to date with regulatory developments and industry best practices, advising the business on changes.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the compliance/financial crime team.
• Receive and review SARs and escalate to the NCA as appropriate.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the compliance/financial crime team.
• Deliver AML/CTF training to staff and promote compliance culture.
• Act as primary liaison with regulators, law enforcement, and auditors.

Skills

Senior compliance monitoring

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of UK AML/CTF legislation

Leadership skills

SB SAR oversight

Job description

Associate Director, Risk, Compliance, Financial Crime and Finance

Head of Financial Crime – SMF17
Sector: Investment Management

Overview

As the Head of Financial Crime you will be responsible for ensuring that the firm complies with its obligations under UK anti‑money laundering (AML), counter‑terrorist financing (CTF), and broader financial crime legislation and regulation. Acting as the firm’s FCA‑approved SMF17, the MLRO will oversee financial crime systems and controls, manage suspicious activity reporting, and provide strategic guidance to the business on mitigating financial crime risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, and maintenance of AML/CTF and financial crime prevention frameworks.
• Provide regular management information and reports to your reporting line, the Board and senior stakeholders.
• Keep up to date with regulatory developments and industry best practices, advising the business on changes.
• Receive, review, and investigate internal suspicious activity reports (SARs), escalating to the National Crime Agency (NCA) as appropriate.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the compliance/financial crime team.
• Deliver AML/CTF training to staff and promote a strong compliance culture across the organisation.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators, law enforcement, and auditors on financial crime matters.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience in a senior compliance monitoring or assurance role within an FCA‑regulated firm, ideally in wealth & investment management.
• Previously held the SMF17 is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence to engage with regulators and senior stakeholders.
• Expert knowledge of UK AML/CTF legislation and FCA regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.

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