CCO / MLRO (UK)

The client is an ambitious, early-stage NeoBank preparing for EMI authorisation in the UK, with a vision to redefine financial services for mobile individuals and SMEs across the UK.
This role sits at the core of that journey — owning the compliance, AML/CTF, and risk strategy from day one.
As CCO & MLRO, you will work directly with regulators and leadership to build a robust, scalable compliance infrastructure.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a regulated financial institution from the ground up in a fast-moving FinTech environment.

🔍 Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end EMI authorisation process with the UK regulator (FCA), acting as the primary regulatory contact;

• Design and implement comprehensive compliance, AML/CTF, and risk management frameworks aligned with UK regulations;

• Develop and maintain all key licensing documentation, including policies on AML/CTF, safeguarding, governance, and risk assessments;

• Establish and oversee transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting (SAR), and financial crime prevention controls;

• Embed “compliance-by-design” principles into product development, payment flows, and operational processes;

• Monitor and interpret evolving regulatory requirements (PSD2/PSD3, AML frameworks, FCA guidance), advising leadership on impact;

• Lead regulatory engagement, audits, and ongoing supervisory interactions;

• Support UK market entry and future EU expansion, ensuring cross-border compliance consistency;

• Build and manage relationships with regulators, auditors, banking partners, and legal advisors;

• Act as MLRO, ensuring effective escalation, reporting, and governance of financial crime risks.

🎓 Requirements:

• 5+ years in a senior Compliance, MLRO, Risk, or Financial Crime leadership role within fintech, payments, or banking;

• Strong expertise in AML/CTF frameworks, including transaction monitoring, investigations, and regulatory reporting;

• Deep understanding of UK and European regulatory frameworks (FCA requirements, PSD2/PSD3, AML directives, SEPA, safeguarding);

• Proven experience working directly with financial regulators (ideally FCA or equivalent EU authority);

• Hands-on experience building compliance frameworks for new or scaling financial institutions;

• Prior involvement in EMI or PI licensing processes (UK experience highly preferred);

• Strong documentation, stakeholder management, and communication skills;

• Ability to meet FCA “Fit & Proper” requirements for controlled functions;

✨ The Employer Offers:

• Competitive compensation aligned with role scope and licensing phase;

• Flexible engagement model (initial part-time transitioning to full-time post-authorization);

• Unique opportunity to build and own compliance infrastructure from scratch;

• Direct impact on strategic and regulatory decision-making;

• Performance-based incentives tied to key milestones;

• Collaborative, international FinTech environment with strong growth potential;

• High visibility role with leadership exposure and long-term career upside;

If you’re ready to lead regulatory strategy and build a next-generation financial institution, let’s talk!