Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 and SMF17) - #2094559

Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 and SMF17)

West end (London)

International bank

Permanent

£90k - £115k

This role is perfect for a current SMF16/17 from a small – medium sized international bank who is looking for a new challenge or, a 2nd in command who is looking to take a step up to running their own compliance department.

The responsibilities of the candidate will include:

• Develop and maintain the Bank’s Compliance & Financial Crime Framework in line with FCA, PRA, and international standards (e.g. FATF).
• Ensure adherence to JMLSG guidance, sanctions regimes (OFAC, EU, HMT), and applicable laws.
• Act as primary liaison with regulators (FCA, PRA, NCA).
• Advise Senior Management on regulatory changes and business impact.
• Lead horizon scanning and maintain the Compliance Risk Appetite Statement.
• Ensure robust frameworks for TCF, conduct risk, and GDPR compliance.
• Act as MLRO, ensuring full AML/CTF compliance.
• Oversee AML frameworks (CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions/PEP screening, SARs).
• Ensure timely SAR submissions to the NCA.
• Oversee AML risk assessments and remediation.
• Deliver AML training and awareness.
• Develop and maintain the Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP).
• Conduct risk assessments on correspondent banking, high-risk clients, and transactions.
• Oversee transaction monitoring systems and risk escalation.
• Serve as Data Protection Officer (UK GDPR, DPA 2018).
• Act as main contact with the ICO.
• Oversee DPIAs, RoPA, DSARs, and breach reporting.
• Ensure governance over third-party data processors.
• Deliver data protection training and awareness.
• Present compliance, AML, financial crime, and data protection reports to committees and Board.
• Escalate material risks and breaches.
• Prepare Annual MLRO and Data Protection Reports.
• Support SMCR requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Compliance team.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies, training, and operational resilience.

The successful candidate:

• Extensive UK banking experience in compliance, AML, and financial crime risk.
• Strong knowledge of FCA/PRA rules, AML/CTF, GDPR, and SMCR.
• Proven experience managing regulatory engagement, audits, and inspections.
• Experience in Private Banking, Correspondent Banking, or Trade Finance.
• AML certification (e.g. CAMS, ICA Diploma).
• Knowledge of operational resilience, ESG, and emerging regulations.
• Data protection certification (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM).