Senior Director UK Compliance Officer MLRO

web3-resources; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative financial technology firm is seeking a UK Compliance Officer to spearhead its regulatory compliance program. This pivotal role involves leading compliance strategies, managing relationships with UK regulators, and ensuring adherence to AML regulations. The ideal candidate will bring over 13 years of experience in compliance within regulated financial institutions, alongside a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of digital finance. Join a forward-thinking company that values transparency and inclusiveness, and play a crucial role in shaping the future of finance in the UK.

Qualifications

• 13+ years of experience in compliance roles within UK financial institutions.
• Deep knowledge of UK AML regulations and financial crime frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of compliance strategy and manage interactions with UK regulators.
• Design and enhance compliance policies to meet regulatory changes.

Skills

Compliance Management

AML Regulations

Risk Governance

Financial Crime Investigation

Team Leadership

Communication Skills

Regulatory Interaction

Product Compliance

Crypto Regulations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Law

Certifications in Compliance (e.g., ICA, ACAMS)

Tools

Slack

MacOS

GSuite

Job description

Circle is a financial technology company at the forefront of the emerging internet of money, enabling value to transfer like digital data — globally, nearly instantly, and at lower costs than traditional systems. This innovative internet layer opens new possibilities for payments, commerce, and markets, aiming to boost global economic prosperity and inclusion. Our infrastructure, including USDC — a blockchain-based dollar — supports businesses, institutions, and developers in leveraging these advancements during this pivotal evolution of money and technology.

What you’ll be part of:

Circle values transparency and stability. As we expand into key jurisdictions worldwide, speed and efficiency drive us. Our company culture emphasizes high integrity, future-oriented thinking, inclusiveness, mindfulness, and excellence. We foster a flexible, diverse environment that encourages new ideas and stakeholder engagement.

What you’ll be responsible for:

As the UK Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), you will lead the development and execution of Circle’s UK regulatory compliance program. You will act as the primary contact with UK regulators to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. Collaborating with Compliance, Risk, Legal, Product, and Operations teams, you will oversee controls related to licensing, KYC, transaction monitoring, sanctions, reporting, and risk governance. Your leadership will help maintain a robust compliance posture while supporting innovation in digital finance.

What you'll work on:

1. Leading the execution of Circle’s UK compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with legal, regulatory, and internal risk standards.
2. Managing day-to-day interactions with UK financial regulators and stakeholders for licensed operations.
3. Designing and enhancing compliance policies, procedures, and controls to meet regulatory changes.
4. Collaborating with Product, Policy, Legal, and Marketing teams to ensure product and marketing compliance with UK regulations, including crypto-specific rules.
5. Monitoring regulatory developments affecting UK operations and implementing necessary adjustments.
6. Overseeing AML transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, suspicious activity reporting, and financial crime investigations.
7. Generating compliance metrics for leadership reporting and program improvement; updating senior management on UK compliance risks and issues.

What you’ll bring to Circle:

• 13+ years of experience as a Compliance Officer or MLRO within UK-regulated financial institutions or fintech.
• 7+ years leading teams.
• Deep knowledge of UK AML regulations, FCA expectations, and financial crime frameworks.
• Proven experience managing regulatory interactions, audits, and supervisory relationships.
• Strong understanding of compliance in product development, marketing, and customer engagement, especially in crypto.
• Track record of designing and implementing compliance programs, policies, and controls.
• Excellent communication skills for influencing teams and engaging with senior leadership.
• Experience advising high-growth tech or crypto firms.
• Familiarity with EU AMLD, MiCA, FATF, and similar frameworks.
• Previous FCA approval for SMF16 and/or SMF17 roles, with successful fit and proper assessments.
• Knowledge of generative AI models (ChatGPT, Gemini) and prompt development.
• Familiarity with Slack, MacOS, and GSuite.

Circle is committed to creating an inclusive financial future, emphasizing transparency. Compensation is based on experience, skills, qualifications, and organizational needs. Our pay ranges may vary by location. We are an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and participating in programs like E-Verify where applicable. For accommodations during the interview process, contact [e-mail]. We respect your privacy and will handle accommodations separately from the interview process.