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Head of Compliance
Job Description: Head of Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) – SMF16 & SMF17
Position: Head of Compliance & MLRO
Function Holder Roles: SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) & SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer)
Location: Boutique Bank (Hybrid Working / Part-Time Flexibility Available)
Salary: £100,000 per annum
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a boutique bank as the Head of Compliance and MLRO, registered as a Senior Manager with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under SMF16 and SMF17. We’re seeking a compliance leader with proven expertise in establishing and managing compliance functions, who has a strategic mindset and operational capability. With a supportive, low-pressure environment due to the bank’s limited deal volume and low-risk profile, this role offers a balanced work-life setup, hybrid flexibility, and even part-time arrangements for the right candidate.
You will be supported by an in situ DMLRO and be responsible for the 20 strong office.
Key Responsibilities
- Compliance Oversight (SMF16):
- Lead the bank’s compliance function, ensuring full alignment with FCA regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
- Develop and implement compliance policies, procedures, and frameworks to support a risk-averse, regulated environment.
- Oversee regulatory reporting and engage in direct communication with the FCA and other regulatory bodies.
- Monitor, assess, and report on compliance risks, ensuring robust controls and mitigation strategies.
- Conduct compliance training across all departments, fostering a strong compliance culture.
- Prepare and present compliance performance and risk reports to the senior management team and board of directors.
- Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17):
- Act as the designated MLRO for the bank, overseeing all anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) programs.
- Implement and maintain AML and CTF policies in line with regulatory requirements and risk management objectives.
- Review and manage all AML/CTF investigations and reporting, including suspicious activity reports (SARs), ensuring timely and accurate filings.
- Liaise with relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies, maintaining effective channels of communication and reporting.
- Stay informed on emerging trends and updates in financial crime and AML/CTF legislation, adjusting internal policies accordingly.
Candidate Profile
- Qualifications & Experience:
- FCA registered with prior experience holding SMF16 and SMF17 roles, ideally within a regulated environment.
- Strong background in compliance, risk management, and AML with a proven ability to manage regulatory relationships.
- Expert knowledge of FCA regulations and requirements, ideally within a boutique or low-risk bank setting.
- They will consider candidates who are not working in banking/trade finance.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with senior management, stakeholders, and teams.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and actionable manner.
- Proactive, ethical, and resilient in driving compliance and AML objectives within a risk-averse framework.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of £100,000, alongside hybrid and part-time flexibility.
- Opportunity to shape the compliance and AML function within a supportive, low-pressure environment.
- Direct engagement with senior leadership and board, with autonomy to make a meaningful impact.
This role represents a unique chance for experienced compliance professionals to step into a pivotal position where they can lead both the compliance and AML functions in a balanced, well-supported bank setting.
We seek individuals from a diverse talent pool and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply to our vacancies. Our commitment to fair recruitment processes means that we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of their lived experience or personal characteristics. We also invite applicants who meet most of the listed requirements, even if not all, to apply. If you require any adjustments to the application process, please let us know.
Barclay Simpson acts as an Employment Agency for permanent positions and an Employment Business for temporary/contract engagements.
