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