Strategic Leader, Financial Crime Operations

Starling; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living Wage employer

Private Medical Insurance

25 days holiday

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Starling Bank is seeking a Head of Financial Crime Operations to oversee end-to-end delivery across AML, CTF, and CDD/EDD. You will lead senior professionals and managers, shaping strategy, governance, and a robust control environment within the First Line of Defence.

Based in Southampton and Cardiff with hybrid working, you will drive performance, set SLAs, partner with Risk, Compliance, Product and Engineering, and build a high-performing, compliant team focused on safeguarding customers and

Qualifications

• Deep subject matter expertise in UK Financial Crime regulations (MLRs, JMLSG, PEPs, sanctions).
• Strong data, MI, and operational workflow understanding.
• Proven track record leading large, regulated financial crime operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end AML/CTF/CDD/EDD operations and ensure SLA delivery.
• Manage alert handling, case reviews, and KPIs/OKRs.
• Lead continuous improvement to reduce false positives and strengthen control environment.
• Collaborate with SME leadership and cross-functional teams to align capabilities for SME customers.

Skills

Financial crime expertise

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Data analytics

Tools

Data analytics platforms

RegTech tools

Job description

Starling Bank is seeking a Head of Financial Crime Operations to oversee end-to-end delivery across AML, CTF, and CDD/EDD. You will lead senior professionals and managers, shaping strategy, governance, and a robust control environment within the First Line of Defence.

Based in Southampton and Cardiff with hybrid working, you will drive performance, set SLAs, partner with Risk, Compliance, Product and Engineering, and build a high-performing, compliant team focused on safeguarding customers and