Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 and SMF17)

Head of Compliance and MLRO (SMF16 and SMF17) West end (London) International bank Permanent £90k - £115k This role is perfect for a current SMF16/17 from a small – medium sized international bank who is looking for a new challenge or, a 2nd in command who is looking to take a step up to running their own compliance department. The responsibilities of the candidate will include: • Develop and maintain the Bank’s Compliance & Financial Crime Framework in line with FCA, PRA, and international standards (e.g. FATF). • Ensure adherence to JMLSG guidance, sanctions regimes (OFAC, EU, HMT), and applicable laws. • Act as primary liaison with regulators (FCA, PRA, NCA). • Advise Senior Management on regulatory changes and business impact. • Lead horizon scanning and maintain the Compliance Risk Appetite Statement. • Ensure robust frameworks for TCF, conduct risk, and GDPR compliance. • Act as MLRO, ensuring full AML/CTF compliance. • Oversee AML frameworks (CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions/PEP screening, SARs). • Ensure timely SAR submissions to the NCA. • Oversee AML risk assessments and remediation. • Deliver AML training and awareness. • Develop and maintain the Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP). • Conduct risk assessments on correspondent banking, high-risk clients, and transactions. • Oversee transaction monitoring systems and risk escalation. • Serve as Data Protection Officer (UK GDPR, DPA 2018). • Act as main contact with the ICO. • Oversee DPIAs, RoPA, DSARs, and breach reporting. • Ensure governance over third-party data processors. • Deliver data protection training and awareness. • Present compliance, AML, financial crime, and data protection reports to committees and Board. • Escalate material risks and breaches. • Prepare Annual MLRO and Data Protection Reports. • Support SMCR requirements. • Lead, mentor, and develop the Compliance team. • Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. • Ensure adherence to internal policies, training, and operational resilience. The successful candidate: • Extensive UK banking experience in compliance, AML, and financial crime risk. • Strong knowledge of FCA/PRA rules, AML/CTF, GDPR, and SMCR. • Proven experience managing regulatory engagement, audits, and inspections. • Experience in Private Banking, Correspondent Banking, or Trade Finance. • AML certification (e.g. CAMS, ICA Diploma). • Knowledge of operational resilience, ESG, and emerging regulations. • Data protection certification (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM).