Head of Compliance

We’re working with a rapidly expanding global payments firm to hire a Head of Compliance - a senior leadership role overseeing regulatory compliance and financial crime frameworks across the UK and wider European markets. This role will spearhead the firm’s regulatory engagement with the FCA, oversee AML/CFT governance, and ensure adherence to evolving UK and international financial crime standards while supporting global expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead UK compliance strategy and regulatory relationships, ensuring full adherence to FCA, FATF, and other relevant frameworks.
• Serve as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the UK entity, overseeing AML/CFT program execution and reporting.
• Advise senior leadership on compliance and conduct risk, regulatory change, and best practices.
• Oversee customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and STR filings.
• Collaborate with Group Compliance to standardize policies and controls across regions.
• Drive compliance culture, training, and governance within the UK business.

Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience in Compliance, Financial Crime, or Risk within payments, fintech, or regulated financial institutions.
• Deep knowledge of UK regulatory landscape and direct FCA engagement experience.
• Prior MLRO or Deputy MLRO experience required.
• CAMS/ICA or equivalent certification preferred.
• Strategic yet hands-on leader able to balance business enablement with regulatory integrity.

If you’re a seasoned compliance leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and global growth we’d love to connect.

📩 Send your CV to Jho@space-exec.com for a confidential discussion.

(Referrals are welcome. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.)

EA Reg No: R23115234

EA License No: 15S7496