Interim MLRO

Company Overview A rapidly growing bank is seeking an experienced interim MLRO. The bank is at a critical stage of its development, preparing to go live with its core product offerings in the near future. This is a high-impact, hands-on role for a seasoned professional to ensure the financial crime function is robust and ready for launch.

Role Responsibilities:

• Act as the appointed MLRO Function Holder, providing leadership and a credible presence for the bank’s financial crime framework.
• Ensure a smooth transition and knowledge transfer from the outgoing MLRO to maintain operational continuity.
• Review and validate the financial crime framework, policies, and controls, ensuring they are robust and fully prepared for the bank's "go live" date.
• Collaborate closely with first-line operational staff to embed a culture of compliance and ensure all checks and balances are correctly implemented.
• Manage all regulatory reporting and serve as the primary point of contact for regulators on financial crime matters.
• Support the launch of new products, including retail savings and SME lending, from a financial crime and risk perspective.
• Provide an effective bridge until a permanent MLRO is appointed, ensuring no disruption to the bank's critical operations during this transition period.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience as a Function Holder or in a senior financial crime leadership role, ideally as an MLRO within the UK financial services sector.
• A strong background in retail banking and/or mortgages is highly beneficial.
• Deep knowledge of UK financial crime regulations, particularly for new and challenger banks.
• A hands-on and pragmatic approach is essential, with the ability to work directly with operational teams.
• A track record of successfully managing regulatory relationships and acting with a sense of urgency.
• The ability to provide clear, decisive leadership in a dynamic, high-scrutiny environment.