Head of Financial Crime and MLRO

We are recruiting a Head of Financial Crime and MLRO for the UK branch of a well-established international bank. Holding the SMF17 function, you will own the UK operation for financial crime framework across money laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption, and tax evasion, leading a team of four and acting as the bank's key contact with regulators and law enforcement.

Location: Central London (Zone 1). Salary: up to £160,000 per annum depending on experience, plus a 25% on-target discretionary bonus and an outstanding benefits package. Working arrangement: at least 80% office-based (typically 4 days a week).

What you'll be doing

• Act as MLRO, reviewing internal SARs, deciding which warrant disclosure to the NCA, and producing the annual MLRO report and Business-Wide Risk Assessment.
• Set the annual AML plan and keep policies, procedures and quality assurance robust across customer due diligence, transaction monitoring and sanctions screening.
• Lead and develop a team of four: a Deputy MLRO, two AML Managers and a Senior Financial Crime Officer.
• Report MI to branch and Head Office committees, track regulatory change and advise the business on how new strategies affect AML controls.
• Build a strong compliance culture through role-specific training, and embed the Group Compliance Target Operating Model locally.

What you need to bring

• Current or previous approval for the SMF17 (MLRO) function. This is essential.
• A university degree (essential).
• Several years' experience as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO in a PRA/FCA regulated firm.
• Strong knowledge of UK AML regulation, Consumer Duty and control frameworks, and the confidence to build relationships with regulators and law enforcement.
• Desirable: an AML qualification and experience in retail and corporate banking.

Why you'll love this job

• Real influence: as the branch's senior voice on financial crime, you'll work directly with senior management, Head Office and regulators, with the scope to shape the framework, analytics and compliance culture rather than simply maintain them.
• A 12.5% non-contributory pension, with smart pensions for tax-efficient extra contributions.
• Medical cover for you, your partner and dependent children, plus dental, optical, an annual health assessment and international travel insurance.
• 28 days' holiday rising to 30, plus special leave for your birthday, marriage, study and wellbeing.

If you hold SMF17 and want your judgement to shape how a bank manages financial crime risk, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV.