Director of Financial Crime (1LOD)

Director of Financial Crime (1 LOD) – Challenger Bank

Hybrid: 2–3 days per week in London

Do you want to be part of a culture that values decisiveness, innovation, and impact over bureaucracy? Do you thrive in high-growth, fintech-focused environments where you can be both hands-on and strategic?

I’m supporting a fast-growing challenger bank as they strengthen their Financial Crime function with the appointment of a Director of Financial Crime Risk. This is a first line of defence leadership role, responsible for shaping and overseeing the bank’s AML, KYC, and due diligence processes across multiple business lines.

You’ll join at a pivotal moment giving you the opportunity to make your mark, influence how things are built, and ensure financial crime controls keep pace with rapid business expansion.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the bank’s approach to AML, KYC, and enhanced due diligence across client onboarding and lifecycle management.
• Acting as a trusted subject matter expert in correspondent banking/BaaS, ensuring risks unique to this model are properly managed.
• Representing the function at senior governance forums and risk committees – translating complex issues clearly and credibly to senior stakeholders.
• Rolling out enhancements to the target operating model and ensuring effective controls are embedded day-to-day.
• Managing a small but highly capable team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Supporting client-facing discussions with global regulated institutions, demonstrating both technical expertise and commercial pragmatism.
• Working closely with product and technology teams to explore how tools and innovation can strengthen the bank’s approach to financial crime risk.
• Providing clear, data-driven reporting to senior management and the Board.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in correspondent banking or BaaS is essential
• A background in fintech or payments, with strong understanding of working with other regulated financial institutions.
• Senior-level financial crime expertise with hands-on exposure to AML, KYC, and EDD.
• Gravitas and confidence in presenting to executives, regulators, and clients.
• Experience building, leading, and developing teams.
• Exposure to technology and tooling in the financial crime space is a plus.

Please send your CV to [email protected] to find out more