MLRO

Position: MLRO (Permanent)
MLRO SMF
17 – Remote with some travel required

Job description
We are recruiting for a MLRO to join one of our clients, a Fintech company. This permanent opportunity is offering an excellent salary.

About the role:

The MLRO (SMF
17) will lead the design, development and ongoing oversight of the organisation’s financial crime framework. As the FCA‑approved SMF
17 during the Payment Institution authorisation process and beyond, the role provides credible, senior engagement with the regulator and ensures the company’s open banking and card issuing business model meets all UK AML/CTF regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities include;

Regulatory & FCA Engagement
Hold SMF
17 responsibility and act as the primary point of contact with the FCA.
Lead all AML/CTF elements of the PI licence application.
Manage ongoing FCA supervisory queries and interactions.

Financial Crime Framework Development
Build, implement and continuously enhance:
AML/CTF policies, procedures, and internal controls
KYC/KYB onboarding standards and due diligence processes
Transaction monitoring framework and alert handling workflow
SAR reporting and UKFIU submissions
Sanctions and PEP screening processes
ML/TF business-wide risk assessments
Ensure controls appropriately address the company’s product model, including:
Multi‑banking Visa card functionality
Open banking integrations, including Variable Recurring Payments (VRP)
Card issuing programme compliance and AML risk management

Governance & Oversight
Provide regular board‑level reporting, MI, and risk insights.
Train, mentor and develop internal teams on AML/CTF topics.
Help shape compliance culture and embed strong financial crime risk management across the business.

Essential

Skills:

Current or former MLRO or Deputy MLRO within a UK fintech, EMI, PI or digital banking environment.
Proven experience building and operating AML frameworks in early-stage or scaling businesses.
Strong, demonstrable knowledge of:
UK Money Laundering Regulations
FCA Handbook (including SYSC, COND, SUP)
Open banking, card issuing, and VRP-related risks
Comfortable engaging directly with FCA supervisors.
Fully eligible and suitable for SMF
17 approval.

Additional Information:

Location:

Remote with some travel required, some travel may include European travel
Duration:
Permanent
Salary:
Competitive