Interim Head of Compliance and MLRO

Interim Head of Compliance and MLRO

London | 4–5 days in office | Contract

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Compliance professional to join a high-growth, innovative financial services business operating at the forefront of digital and alternative assets.

This role will play a critical part in supporting UK regulatory build-out, including leading regulatory engagement and designing a robust compliance framework within a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory engagement, including managing interactions with the FCA and Bank of England

• Drive and support regulatory authorisation processes, including MiFID permissions

• Play a key role in participation within the Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS), including application processes

• Design, implement and maintain the firm’s compliance and AML/CTF framework

• Act as MLRO, overseeing financial crime controls including KYC, onboarding, monitoring and reporting

• Ensure ongoing compliance with UK regulatory obligations and reporting requirements

• Develop and maintain policies and procedures aligned to UK regulations

• Deliver compliance training and promote a strong risk and compliance culture

• Prepare and present management and board-level reporting

• Oversee compliance monitoring, testing and remediation activities

• Support business continuity and operational resilience frameworks

• Manage third-party onboarding and associated compliance risks

Skills & Experience

• 5–7+ years’ experience within a regulated financial services firm in a senior Compliance or MLRO role

• Strong knowledge of UK regulatory requirements including AML/CTF frameworks

• Experience across KYC, onboarding, risk assessments, transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting

• Prior experience engaging directly with regulators (FCA and/or Bank of England)

• Experience supporting or leading regulatory authorisation processes (MiFID experience advantageous)

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

• Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced, evolving environment

• Previous SMF approval desirable but not essential

• Interest or experience in innovative financial products or emerging asset classes is advantageous

The Opportunity

• Join a forward-thinking, high-growth business at the cutting edge of financial innovation

• Work directly with senior leadership and influence strategic direction

• Play a key role in building and shaping the UK compliance framework from the ground up

• Exposure to innovative regulatory environments and new asset classes

Additional Details

• Contract role

• London-based

• 4–5 days per week in the office

• Day rate / package dependent on experience

Barclay Simpson – the trusted name in Compliance recruitment: https://www.barclaysimpson.com/specialisms/compliance-jobs/

An official job listing by Barclay Simpson: https://www.barclaysimpson.com/job/interim-head-of-compliance-and-mlro/