Senior Compliance Officer / MLRO

On-site | UK | Full-time (Hybrid/Remote - Office located in London) | UK Residence is a must Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Compliance Officer, MLRO & DPO to lead our regulatory compliance, financial crime risk management, and data protection functions for our FCA-regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI). The successful candidate will hold a triple-mandate responsibility: acting as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), Chief Risk & Compliance Officer (CRCO), and Data Protection Officer (DPO). You will be the primary guardian of our operational integrity, ensuring full adherence to FCA regulations, UK GDPR, and global AML/CTF standards. Key Responsibilities 1. Regulatory Oversight & Liaison (CRCO & MLRO) Central Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for the FCA, NCA, ICO, and law enforcement agencies. Regulatory Intelligence: Monitor and analyze new developments (FCA Handbook, PSRs/EMRs, Consumer Duty) and implement necessary changes to business activities. Board Advisory: Provide strategic advice to the Executive Board and CEO on regulatory obligations, escalating material breaches or significant financial crime risks promptly. Reporting: Prepare and submit quarterly Regulatory Assurance Reports, the Annual MLRO Report, and all required EMI-specific disclosures. 2. Risk Management & Governance Framework Ownership: Design and maintain the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management (ERM) program, Risk Appetite Statement, and Risk Register. Internal Controls: Proactively identify operational, safeguarding, and conduct risks. Conduct annual Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSA). Product Compliance: Approve new products and initiatives using "Compliance by Design" principles, ensuring all marketing and client agreements meet FCA standards. Reporting Metrics: Collect and analyze KRIs and KPIs, maintaining a comprehensive Incidents Log to evaluate non-compliance risks. 3. AML/CTF & Financial Crime Prevention (MLRO) Program Management: Build and oversee the AML/CTF framework, including PEPs, Sanctions, and Transaction Monitoring policies. SAR Management: Act as the nominated officer for receiving, assessing, and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the NCA. High-Risk Oversight: Sign off on Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) and onboarding decisions for high-risk customers. Monitoring & Calibration: Oversee Transaction Monitoring system thresholds, quality-assuring alerts and managing account suspensions. 4. Data Protection & Privacy (DPO) GDPR Compliance: Monitor adherence to the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Privacy Tools: Maintain the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA), data mapping, and conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs). Rights Management: Lead the response to Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and manage data breach handling/notifications to the ICO. Third-Party Risk: Review cross-border data transfers (SCCs) and conduct compliance audits of third-party data processors. 5. Training, Audit & Culture Educational Leadership: Deliver firm-wide training on AML, SAR processes, data privacy, and the firm’s compliance culture. Monitoring Plan: Execute the Compliance Monitoring Plan, including internal audits and testing of control effectiveness across all departments. Qualifications & Experience Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Finance, or Business. Professional certifications (CAMS, ICA, or CIPP/E) are highly desirable. Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of senior compliance experience within a UK FCA-regulated financial institution (EMI, PI, or Bank). Regulatory Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, FCA Specialist Sourcebooks, and UK GDPR. Leadership: Proven track record of interacting with the FCA/NCA and reporting directly to a Board of Directors. Key Competencies Risk-Based Decision Making: Ability to make critical decisions in high-pressure, complex regulatory scenarios. Tech-Savvy Approach: Proficiency with compliance tools (e.g., Sumsub, LexisNexis, ComplyAdvantage) and transaction monitoring systems. Analytical Excellence: Strong ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable operational procedures. Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for regulatory reporting and internal stakeholder management. Why Join Us? High-Impact Role: A visible, senior position where you shape the compliance DNA of a growing EMI. Dynamic Environment: Work with a forward-thinking team committed to innovation and client protection. Professional Growth: Support for ongoing training and specialized certifications. Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with seniority and experience. Flexible/Hybrid working arrangements. Comprehensive benefits package and performance-based bonuses tied to Compliance KPIs. Note: Only UK-based applications will be considered for this role. Successful candidates must pass enhanced background and credit checks.