Head of Compliance & MLRO

An exceptional opportunity has arisen with a global, FCA regulated financial services organisation undergoing a significant business and operating model transformation, seeking an experienced SMF16 & SMF17 leader to join as Head of Compliance & MLRO.

The successful candidate will be a trusted strategic partner to the business and its clients, driving solution focused compliance, risk and financial crime oversight. Reporting directly to the COO, the role carries broad accountability across enterprise risk, regulatory compliance and financial crime, with responsibility of a team.

Key responsibilities

• Full ownership of the Compliance and Financial Crime framework throughout a complex transformation programme
• Ensuring robust, proportionate systems and controls that meet regulatory expectations while supporting an evolving business strategy
• Acting as the primary point of accountability for AML and financial crime matters, including regulatory engagement
• Leading Board level and executive reporting on risk, compliance effectiveness, emerging issues and remediation activity
• Oversight of complaints monitoring, data protection and IT security governance, in close partnership with technology and infrastructure teams
• Providing compliance and risk leadership to new business initiatives, client onboarding and operational change programmes
• Driving structured governance, assurance and oversight mechanisms across the organisation

Qualifications

We are seeking a senior Risk & Compliance leader who has held SMF16 and/or SMF17 (or is clearly credible for FCA approval), with strong financial services experience and a proven track record of operating within or leading transformation environments.

This is a critical leadership role for the organisation. They are seeking a Compliance professional who enables sustainable growth rather than acting as a blocker, partnering closely with clients and internal stakeholders, and translating regulatory requirements into practical, commercially viable and scalable solutions.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

About the job

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Plus bonus and benefits

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Director

Location: City of London

Job Reference: 7JKMS1-F070523A

Date posted: 18 February 2026

Consultant: Claire Singer