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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Group Head of Compliance/MLRO - **Company:** British Electronic Payments Institution Limited - **Location:** Greater London, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Monitoring of Systems, Working Model 2D, SARS Software Products, Control Structures, Electronic Medical Records, Operational Systems - **Published:** August 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.collegerecruiter.com/job/2815030572-group-head-of-compliancemlro ## About the Role * Proven track record in Compliance, MLRO (SMF17 / SMF16), Deputy MLRO, or similar compliance role within a regulated financial services environment (fintech, payments, EMI, banking, crypto, or related sectors). * Strong knowledge of UK regulatory and AML frameworks, including EMRs, PSD2, FCA Handbook, MLR 2017, and JMLSG guidance. * Demonstrated experience in building and improving compliance and AML frameworks from the ground up, including policies, procedures, controls, and governance. * Strong understanding of AML/CTF, sanctions, fraud, and financial crime risks, including transaction monitoring principles and risk-based controls design. * Experience in preparing and submitting regulatory returns and compliance reporting (including FCA-related reporting where applicable). * Excellent leadership skills with the ability to work hands-on and operationally, while also developing into a strategic leader capable of scaling the function and managing a team. * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders and Board-level management. * High integrity, resilience, independence, and sound judgement, with the ability to balance regulatory requirements with commercial objectives. * Confidence to take ownership and lead processes end-to-end, while also knowing when to involve external expertise for specialised areas (e.g., complex cross-border requirements, crypto-related processes, or new regulatory expectations). * UK recognised AML / MLRO certification is preferred, such as CAMS (ACAMS) and/or ICA International Diploma in Anti Money Laundering / Compliance. * Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in compliance and AML roles. * Degree in finance, business administration, law, or a related field is preferred. * Right to work in the UK is required, and the candidate should be based in London (or within commuting distance). * Fluent English is required. * Russian language skills are a strong advantage. ## Description About the Role This role is a major opportunity for professional growth and career progression. We are looking for a strong, proactive compliance leader with a solid AML foundation, who is ready to take ownership, build and scale processes, and drive compliance as a strategic function across multiple entities, products, and jurisdictions. You will have high visibility, direct exposure to senior leadership, and the ability to shape compliance standards across the group - from more traditional EMI and payments compliance to complex and evolving areas including crypto-related processes. Key Responsibilities * Serve as the Group Head of Compliance/MLRO and act as a key point of contact with relevant regulators and external stakeholders (including the FCA where applicable). * Develop, implement, and maintain a robust group-wide compliance and financial crime prevention framework, aligned with applicable regulatory requirements and best practices. * Design and establish compliance policies, procedures, and controls, ensuring full coverage across the group's entities, products, and operational processes. * Conduct and oversee risk assessments, transaction monitoring governance, suspicious activity reporting (SARs), and enhanced due diligence (EDD). * Prepare and submit relevant regulatory reports and compliance documentation (e.g., regulatory returns, financial crime reports, governance reporting, and SMCR-related responsibilities where applicable). * Act as a senior compliance leader under strong governance principles, ensuring accountability and clear oversight across the group's compliance structure. * Advise the Board and senior management on compliance and financial crime risks, obligations, emerging trends, and best practices. * Provide training, guidance, and day-to-day support to teams to foster a strong compliance culture across the group. * Lead regulatory change management, ensuring the group stays ahead of evolving rules, industry standards, and financial crime typologies. * Scale and manage the compliance function as the group expands, providing leadership, mentorship, and operational structure. * Serve as an independent and trusted voice within the business, ensuring ethical and regulatory standards are met while supporting commercial growth. * Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to compliance and financial crime prevention. * Ensure robust customer due diligence processes, including identification and verification of clients and beneficial owners, and clear documentation of the nature and purpose of client relationships. * Document and maintain financial crime risk management policies and the group's overall risk profile. * Oversee governance, resourcing, and implementation of transaction screening and monitoring systems, ensuring effectiveness and appropriate performance oversight. * Provide information and reporting to the governing body and senior management, including the annual MLRO report on the effectiveness of AML systems, controls, and financial crime risk management. Requirements * Proven track record in Compliance, MLRO (SMF17 / SMF16), Deputy MLRO, or similar compliance role within a regulated financial services environment (fintech, payments, EMI, banking, crypto, or related sectors). * Strong knowledge of UK regulatory and AML frameworks, including EMRs, PSD2, FCA Handbook, MLR 2017, and JMLSG guidance. * Demonstrated experience in building and improving compliance and AML frameworks from the ground up, including policies, procedures, controls, and governance. * Strong understanding of AML/CTF, sanctions, fraud, and financial crime risks, including transaction monitoring principles and risk-based controls design. * Experience in preparing and submitting regulatory returns and compliance reporting (including FCA-related reporting where applicable). * Excellent leadership skills with the ability to work hands-on and operationally, while also developing into a strategic leader capable of scaling the function and managing a team. * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders and Board-level management. * High integrity, resilience, independence, and sound judgement, with the ability to balance regulatory requirements with commercial objectives. * Confidence to take ownership and lead processes end-to-end, while also knowing when to involve external expertise for specialised areas (e.g., complex cross-border requirements, crypto-related processes, or new regulatory expectations). * UK recognised AML / MLRO certification is preferred, such as CAMS (ACAMS) and/or ICA International Diploma in Anti Money Laundering / Compliance. * Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in compliance and AML roles. * Degree in finance, business administration, law, or a related field is preferred. * Right to work in the UK is required, and the candidate should be based in London (or within commuting distance). * Fluent English is required. * Russian language skills are a strong advantage. What we offer A unique opportunity to join a high-growth international group at a senior leadership level. A group-level leadership role with real ownership and autonomy, with the ability to build and scale a best-in-class Compliance and AML function across the group. Significant career growth opportunities, including expanding scope, team-building, and long-term progression as the group scales. Exposure to a wide range of compliance challenges across multiple entities, products, and jurisdictions, including both traditional financial services and innovative processes. Competitive compensation package with potential long-term incentives. Hybrid working model and a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative working environment with ambitious growth plans. Why this role? This is a unique opportunity to lead and strengthen the financial crime and compliance framework of a growing FCA-regulated fintech. You will play a critical role in safeguarding the business while helping scale operations in a rapidly evolving payments environment. Why Join Us * Competitive compensation package. * High-impact leadership role within a regulated fintech. * Direct collaboration with senior leadership and regulators. * Dynamic international working environment. * Opportunity to shape and enhance compliance frameworks as the business grows. ## Related Videos - [Machine Learning for Software Developers (and Knitters)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/154-machine-learning-for-software-developers-and-knitters) - [Detecting Money Laundering with AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/111-detecting-money-laundering-with-ai) - [Enterprise Linux as Container Images](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1610-enterprise-linux-as-container-images) - [WebMCP - Making Agents a First-Class Citizen of the Web - Andre Cipriani Bandarra & François Beaufort](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1811-webmcp-making-agents-a-first-class-citizen-of-the-web-andre-cipriani-bandarra-francois-beaufort) - [Model Governance and Explainable AI as tools for legal compliance and risk management](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/501-model-governance-and-explainable-ai-as-tools-for-legal-compliance-and-risk-management) - [Exploring BOS: The Blockchain Operating System by NEAR Protocol](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/781-exploring-bos-the-blockchain-operating-system-by-near-protocol) ## Related Articles - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [UK Business Culture and Etiquette](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/326-uk-business-culture-and-etiquette) - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [Guide for Expats Living in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/355-guide-for-expats-living-in-the-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [Average Salary in London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/280-average-salary-in-london)