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).