Head of Compliance

Location: London
Sector: Banking
Salary: £150,000 – £180,000

A well-established international bank is seeking an experienced compliance and financial crime professional to undertake the SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO) functions.

This is a high-profile role offering significant visibility with senior management and the Board. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s regulatory compliance framework, financial crime controls, AML/CTF programme, sanctions governance and wider regulatory obligations.

The position combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, making it ideally suited to an experienced compliance leader who enjoys operating in a lean environment and taking ownership of both framework development and day-to-day oversight activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform the SMF16 Compliance Oversight function and SMF17 MLRO responsibilities.
• Maintain and enhance the regulatory compliance framework, policies and procedures.
• Develop and deliver a risk-based compliance monitoring programme.
• Provide compliance advice to senior stakeholders and governance committees.
• Lead AML, sanctions and wider financial crime oversight activities.
• Conduct and oversee financial crime risk assessments and customer due diligence reviews.
• Manage suspicious activity reporting processes and regulatory engagement where required.
• Prepare Board and Committee reporting, management information and regulatory submissions.
• Support regulatory change, audits, remediation programmes and governance initiatives.
• Promote a strong compliance culture through training and stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

• Previous experience as an SMF16, SMF17, MLRO, Deputy MLRO, Head of Compliance or equivalent senior compliance professional within a UK regulated financial services firm.
• Strong knowledge of FCA and PRA regulations, SM&CR, AML, sanctions and financial crime requirements.
• Experience within corporate banking, wholesale banking, treasury, lending or related financial services sectors.
• Demonstrable experience developing and enhancing compliance and financial crime frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with Boards, regulators and senior stakeholders.
• Relevant compliance or financial crime qualifications would be advantageous.

This represents an excellent opportunity to join a stable and well-capitalised institution where you will have genuine influence over the compliance and financial crime agenda.