Head of Financial Crime

Head of Financial Crime – Robert Walters

Role Overview

An exceptional opportunity has arisen with a leading banking group seeking to appoint a Head of Financial Crime to shape, strengthen and deliver an effective Financial Crime Risk Management Framework. The role works closely with the MLRO and Head of Compliance as the primary day‑to‑day contact for financial crime matters across the UK business, partnering with senior stakeholders, business lines, international compliance teams and group functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide proactive, expert advisory support across AML, CTF, sanctions, ABC, fraud, tax evasion and market abuse risk.
• Support the MLRO in developing and enhancing financial crime policies, procedures, frameworks and monitoring programmes.
• Lead and oversee monitoring, testing and risk assessment activities, including contributing to SIRA and global integrity risk assessments.
• Review and advise on high‑risk client relationships, complex structures and EDD requirements.
• Produce high‑quality MI, dashboards and reports, and support the MLRO with regulatory submissions, the annual MLRO report and committee reporting.
• Mentor and support Financial Crime Officers, embedding a strong compliance culture across the organisation.
• Collaborate with UK and international compliance teams to align global policies with UK regulatory requirements.
• Engage with senior stakeholders and governance forums to influence regulatory decisions, promote best practice and highlight emerging risks.
• Support investigations, internal reports, SARs/STORs, sanctions escalations, fraud assessments and market abuse reviews.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of financial crime training for Senior Management and first‑line teams.

Qualifications & Experience

Extensive experience in AML, sanctions and broader financial crime compliance within financial services. Strong technical knowledge of relevant UK, EU and global regulatory requirements. Ability to assess complex risks, produce clear written recommendations and communicate confidently with senior stakeholders. Experience mentoring or leading junior team members.

Additional Information

Seniority level:
Director

Employment type:

Full‑time
Job function:
Legal
Industry: Banking

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