Head of Compliance and MLRO / DPO (SMF16 and SMF17)

West-End

Permanent

£130,000 - £150,000

cer Financial are working alongside a bank, who are based in the West-End. They are seeking a Head of Compliance and MLRO / DPO (SMF16 and SMF17) to work with them on a permanent basis.

The responsibilities of the candidate will include:

1. Develop and maintain the Bank’s Compliance & Financial Crime Framework in line with FCA, PRA, and international standards (e.g. FATF).
2. Ensure adherence to JMLSG guidance, sanctions regimes (OFAC, EU, HMT), and applicable laws.
3. Act as primary liaison with regulators (FCA, PRA, NCA).
4. Advise Senior Management on regulatory changes and business impact.
5. Lead horizon scanning and maintain the Compliance Risk Appetite Statement.
6. Ensure robust frameworks for TCF, conduct risk, and GDPR compliance.
7. Act as MLRO, ensuring full AML/CTF compliance.
8. Oversee AML frameworks (CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions/PEP screening, SARs).
9. Ensure timely SAR submissions to the NCA.
10. Oversee AML risk assessments and remediation.
11. Deliver AML training and awareness.
12. Develop and maintain the Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP).
13. Conduct risk assessments on correspondent banking, high-risk clients, and transactions.
14. Oversee transaction monitoring systems and risk escalation.
15. Serve as Data Protection Officer (UK GDPR, DPA 2018).
16. Act as main contact with the ICO.
17. Oversee DPIAs, RoPA, DSARs, and breach reporting.
18. Ensure governance over third-party data processors.
19. Deliver data protection training and awareness.
20. Present compliance, AML, financial crime, and data protection reports to committees and Board.
21. Escalate material risks and breaches.
22. Prepare Annual MLRO and Data Protection Reports.
23. Support SMCR requirements.
24. Lead, mentor, and develop the Compliance team.
25. Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
26. Ensure adherence to internal policies, training, and operational resilience.

The successful candidate:

1. Extensive UK banking experience in compliance, AML, and financial crime risk.
2. Strong knowledge of FCA/PRA rules, AML/CTF, GDPR, and SMCR.
3. Proven experience managing regulatory engagement, audits, and inspections.
4. Experience in Private Banking, Correspondent Banking, or Trade Finance.
5. AML certification (e.g. CAMS, ICA Diploma).
6. Knowledge of operational resilience, ESG, and emerging regulations.
7. Data protection certification (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM).