UK MLRO (SMF17)

Banking Circle; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Banking Circle is seeking an experienced UK MLRO (SMF17) to lead the UK FinCrime function within a scaling, globally connected payments bank. You will anticipate, identify and assess AML risks, guide the UK branch’s compliance strategy, and advise on regulatory matters to uphold high conduct and culture standards.

The role involves overseeing reporting obligations, working cross-functionally, and spending most time in the London office under a hybrid model to build a strong compliance community.

Qualifications

• Proven UK financial crime leader with SMF17 experience.
• Deep expertise in correspondent banking, AML/CTF and sanctions risk.
• Experience engaging with regulators and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Identify and mitigate financial crime risks across UK operations.
• Lead advisory and assurance on UK FinCrime compliance with Regulators.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with Supervisory Authorities.

Skills

SMF17 function

Correspondent banking

AML/CTF

Sanctions

Fraud risk

Regulator engagement

Stakeholder management

Digital assets AML

Job description

Are you an experienced MLRO (SMF17), ready to take on your new challenge? Then look no further as we might have the perfect role for you.

Banking Circle is a fully licensed, technology enabled bank processing over €1 trillion in payments every year - and growing. We exist to power the global economy’s most ambitious payments businesses with infrastructure that is fast, modern, and engineered for scale. Today, more than 800 people across 11 countries work together as one global team. We move fast, we think boldly, and we build with intent - because our clients depend on us to keep pace with the world’s most dynamic payments flows. We are expanding globally, scaling our capabilities, and deepening our impact, so if you want to shape the future of financial infrastructure - this is the place.

About the role

As our new UK MLRO you will be responsible for anticipating, identifying and assessing the AML Compliance risks (as defined in the Compliance Policy) within the UK branch. Leading a high performing UK MLRO office, you will lead with integrity, risk awareness and complete professionalism to ensure a strong focus on conduct and culture in a scaling institution.

The UK MLRO should act as an adviser in compliance matters within the organisation demonstrating expertise in UK Anti-Financial Crime matters, whilst assessing the current AML framework, identify gaps, and contribute to building a robust, data-led and operationally effective strategy covering payments and correspondent banking activity across the Bank and its subsidiaries.

Although we offer a hybrid work model for our employees to allow for flexibility and productivity, we will expect the UK MLRO to spend most of your time in the office to build community and efficiency in the team and organisation.

Exciting work is waiting for you

• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial crime risks across money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.
• Ensure all FinCrime related external reporting obligations are met
• Identification of the main legislative and regulatory standards to which Banking Circle is subject to in respect of anti-Financial Crime within the UK market
• Work cross-functionally and cross-regionally to design and operate controls, leveraging Global solutions to minimise duplication and local burden
• Assisting and advising the Chief Compliance Officer, UK Branch Committee and Authorised Management on issues of UK FinCrime compliance.
• Owning communications with Supervisory Authorities or other regulators on compliance matters, in particular with respect to Money Laundering and Terrorism financing issues.

Things we’ll look for on your resume

We're looking for a proven UK financial crime leader who has held an SMF17 function and brings deep expertise in correspondent banking, payments, AML/CTF, sanctions and fraud risk. You'll have a track record of making senior advisory and assurance decisions, engaging confidently with regulators, and navigating complex financial crime challenges. Experience in digital assets, including crypto asset financial promotions and AML/CTF regulation, is highly desirable.

The role requires an individual who can work cohesively with stakeholders and energize impacted teams to create a well-structured and professional environment to ensure risks are mitigated and deliverables are consistently met throughout the year. It is therefore essential that you can lead by example, demonstrate SME qualities and further enhance the brand of the Bank internally and externally. You will also need strong stakeholder management skills both internally and externally given the need to work with senior colleagues within the business and external stakeholders such as external audit, industry peers and regulators.

Banking Circle is an international company. Our internal workforce consists of over 50 nationalities, and our clients and partners are located all over the globe. Therefore, our company language is English.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local laws, regulations and ordinances. To learn more about Banking Circle, visit us at www.bankingcircle.com