Head of Group Financial Crime Compliance & Group MLRO

The Head of Group Financial Crime Compliance & MLRO has primary responsibility for implementation, oversight and monitoring of the Group's financial crime compliance framework (across money laundering & terrorist financing, sanctions, bribery & corruption, external fraud risks), ensuring robust risk management, full regulatory compliance, and effective detection and reporting of financial crime, thereby safeguarding the integrity, reputation, and resilience of the organisation. The role holder acts as the central point of contact with competent authorities and the FIU on financial crime (including specifically AML/CFT) matters.

Responsibilities

Define, implement and maintain a consistent and effective Group-wide FCC framework aligned with applicable regulations and group risk appetite across all entities; Ensure policies, procedures and control expectations are defined, implemented and maintained; Oversee the effectiveness of the financial crime risk control framework; Provide advice, guidance and challenge to the 1LoD risk and control ownership; Coordinate and maintain the group-wide financial crime risk assessment; Oversee the effectiveness of client due diligence and client acceptance processes; Ensure higher risk clients are subject to enhanced due diligence; Monitor compliance with client onboarding and periodic review requirements; Oversee the effectiveness of transaction monitoring and client/transaction screening arrangements including systems/toolings; Act as ultimate escalation point for suspicious activity, investigate complex cases and ensure timely and compliant reporting to FIUs; Serve as primary contact for regulators, leading inspections, managing regulatory interactions, overseeing regulatory reporting and ensuring remediation of findings for financial crime matters; Lead and coordinate local MLROs, ensuring consistent governance, escalation, independence and oversight across jurisdictions; Provide regular FCC reporting to senior management and the Board, advising on risk exposure, control effectiveness and mitigation strategies; Ensure escalation of major financial crime risk events, breaches or control issues, ensuring appropriate reporting, documentation and remediation; Promote a strong compliance culture throughout the organisation by designing and delivering effective AML/CFT training and awareness across all levels of the organisation

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or a related field; Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in financial crime compliance within the financial services industry (Larger bank / big four preferred), with a focus on AML, ABC, sanctions, and policy framework; In-depth knowledge of European and UK regulatory requirements related to financial crime compliance, including AML directives, sanctions regimes, and bribery/corruption laws; Proven experience in developing and implementing FCC policies, procedures, and controls across multiple jurisdictions; Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to effectively oversee a team and drive results in a dynamic and complex environment; Leadership & People Management; Collaborative Teamwork; Critical Thinking & Problem Solving; Communication (Verbal & Written); Conflict Resolution & Negotiation; MS Office proficiency; English: Fluent

Nice to have

Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CAMS, CFE) preferred; Experience in a larger bank / big four preferred; Any other Quintet language is considered an asset