MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

ETRA Talent; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established international bank is seeking a seasoned MLRO to spearhead its financial crime compliance function in the UK. This pivotal role involves overseeing AML/CTF frameworks, liaising with regulatory bodies, and ensuring compliance culture across the organization. The successful candidate will influence the design and implementation of the financial crime framework while working closely with executive leadership. This role offers hybrid working arrangements and a competitive benefits package, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial crime leadership roles.
• Deep understanding of UK regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Act as the registered Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17).
• Develop and maintain AML and financial crime policies.

Skills

Financial Crime Compliance

AML/CTF Regulations

Stakeholder Management

Leadership Skills

Education

Degree in Finance or Law

Professional Compliance Certification

Job description

MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

This range is provided by ETRA Talent. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from ETRA Talent

Recruiter | Ex-Compliance Officer | Helping Risk & Compliance Talent Find the Right Fit | Banking & Financial Services Specialist

Job Title: MLRO & Head of Financial Crime Compliance

Location: London (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Permanent

Salary: up to £150,000 Base plus bonus and benefits

** Previous SMF17 experience is advantageous but not essential - the client is also open to considering candidates ready to step into their first approved role **

The Opportunity

A well-established international bank is seeking an experienced MLRO to lead its financial crime compliance function in the UK. This is a senior leadership role with SMF17 responsibility, reporting directly to the Head of Compliance and engaging regularly with executive leadership and regulatory authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the registered Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17), maintaining oversight of all AML/CTF, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption (ABC), and fraud prevention frameworks.
• Serve as the main point of contact for the National Crime Agency, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement, ensuring timely and accurate suspicious activity reporting (SARs).
• Develop and maintain robust AML and financial crime policies, procedures, and risk assessments in line with UK regulatory expectations and international standards.
• Deliver annual MLRO reporting to the Board and key committees, and oversee completion of regulatory returns (e.g., REP-CRIM).
• Provide expert training to staff at all levels on financial crime obligations and ensure a culture of compliance across the business.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems and controls, proposing enhancements where needed.
• Lead and support internal investigations into financial crime concerns and ensure appropriate remediation actions.
• Deputise for the Head of Compliance when necessary and contribute to broader compliance and regulatory change initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• Significant experience in a financial crime leadership role, ideally within banking or a regulated financial institution.
• Deep understanding of UK regulatory requirements, particularly those related to AML/CTF, sanctions, and anti-corruption.
• Experience working with or within emerging markets is highly advantageous.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with senior management and regulators.
• A hands-on, proactive approach and the ability to lead and develop teams effectively.

Why Apply?

• Join a stable, growing institution with strong international links.
• Influence the design and implementation of the firm’s financial crime framework.
• Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership in a high-impact role.
• Hybrid working and a competitive benefits package.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at ETRA Talent by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Head of Compliance” roles.

London, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago

Head Compliance P&C & L&H Re EMEA (80-100% working degree)

London, England, United Kingdom 38 minutes ago

London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

Head of Regulatory - Director Level - London

London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Global Head of Consumer Compliance and Market Conduct Risk

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Global Head of Consumer Compliance and Market Conduct Risk, Global Compliance

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Director, Head of Anti-Bribery & Corruption

London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

City Of London, England, United Kingdom £140,000.00-£150,000.00 2 days ago

Head of Compliance - ASF & Employability

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Head of Clinical Governance, Quality & Compliance

Harlow, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Head of Risk & Compliance (FinTech, EMI)

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Director, Head of Anti-Bribery & Corruption

London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Director, Anti-Financial Crime Compliance (AVP)

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Leeds, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Executive Director of Governance & Compliance

Dartford, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Head of Governance Risk & Compliance Services

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Head of Clinical Governance, Quality & Compliance

London Area, United Kingdom £120,000.00-£130,000.00 11 hours ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.