Head of Compliance and MLRO

Job Description
Purpose
Responsible for providing and managing a high-quality compliance framework as well as managing a small in-house team. Acting as the firm’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and holding SMF17.
Examples of Key Activities
Compliance Oversight
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory inquiries and examinations.
Keep abreast of regulatory developments and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.
Coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries and manage relationships with regulatory bodies.
AML Compliance
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory inquiries and examinations.
Keep abreast of regulatory developments and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.
Coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries and manage relationships with regulatory bodies.
Regulatory Liaison
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory inquiries and examinations.
Keep abreast of regulatory developments and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.
Coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries and manage relationships with regulatory bodies.
Training and Awareness
Provide training and education to employees on compliance and AML requirements.
Foster a culture of compliance awareness throughout the organization.
Develop and deliver regular compliance training sessions to ensure staff understanding and adherence to policies.
Risk Management
Identify and assess compliance and AML risks associated with business activities.
Develop strategies to mitigate compliance and AML risks effectively.
Monitor industry trends and emerging risks to proactively address potential issues.
Job Role Accountabilities
Act as the MLRO and hold the FCA SMF17.
Implement robust AML measures to prevent and detect money laundering activities, safeguarding the integrity of the organisation.
Ensure that the company operates in compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, minimizing regulatory risks and potential financial penalties.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on compliance and AML matters, providing strategic guidance and recommendations.
Maintain a strong working relationship with regulatory authorities, demonstrating transparency and cooperation in all interactions.
Functional Structure and Key Relationships
Direct Reports
Compliance Monitoring Lead
Senior Financial Crime Lead (Deputy MLRO)
Key Relationships
Job Title Relationship
Chief Risk Officer Alignment of Risk and Compliance Frameworks and regulatory development
monitoring and implementation
Boards and Committees Role
Risk and Credit Committee Member
Customer Outcomes Committee Chair
Corporate Accountabilities
Always act within all FCA Regulations with integrity and ensure all customers are treated fairly.
Complete all mandatory training as and when required.
Always ensure adherence to all Firm policies and procedures.
Qualification, Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Qualifications
Essential
Degree in relevant finance or legal
Discipline
Professional qualification in finance or legal
Desirable
CeMap
Member of the CISI or industry equivalent
Skills and Knowledge
Extensive experience (minimum 7 years) in compliance and AML roles within the financial services industry, preferably within a mortgage lending or banking environment.
Strong knowledge of UK regulatory requirements, including FCA regulations and AML legislation (e.g. Money Laundering Regulations 2017).
Proven experience in developing and implementing compliance policies and procedures, as well as conducting compliance audits and risk assessments.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
Analytical mindset with the ability to identify compliance and AML risks and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to lead and motivate a team of compliance professionals.
Sound judgment and integrity, with a commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting a culture of compliance within the organisation.
Able to demonstrate a creative, innovative and collaborative approach
Experience
Broad experience gained from working in a regulated mortgage environment
Strong experience and understanding around handling data