MLRO - SMF17

Head of Financial Crime / MLRO

Role Summary

The Head of Financial Crime will have overall accountability for the firm’s adherence to UK anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and wider financial crime regulatory requirements. As the FCA-approved SMF17, this role will take ownership of the firm’s financial crime framework, including oversight of controls, suspicious activity reporting, and providing expert advice to support effective risk management across the business.

Key Accountabilities

• Design, implement, and continuously enhance the firm’s AML, CTF, and financial crime control framework.
• Produce clear and insightful management information for senior management, the Board, and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor regulatory changes and emerging industry standards, ensuring the business is informed and responds appropriately.
• Assess and investigate internal suspicious activity reports, making external disclosures to the National Crime Agency (NCA) where required.
• Lead, develop, and support the compliance and financial crime team, fostering high professional standards.

Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience in a senior compliance, monitoring, or assurance role within an FCA-authorised firm, preferably within wealth or investment management.
• Prior approval and experience as SMF17 is essential.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage confidently with regulators and senior leaders.
• In-depth understanding of UK AML/CTF legislation and FCA expectations.
• Proven leadership capability, with the influence and credibility to operate effectively across the organisation.