Compliance Officer & MLRO

Duties and Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance

• Support the maintenance and operation of the firm's compliance framework in line with FCA requirements.
• Ensure day-to-day adherence to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Payment Services Regulations 2017, and FCA Handbook (SYSC, PRIN, DISP, Consumer Duty).
• Monitor regulatory developments and flag relevant changes to the Group Director of Compliance.
• Assist with regulatory reporting and timely submissions to the FCA under the direction of the Group Director.
• Provide first-line compliance guidance to business teams on regulatory matters.

Financial Crime & AML (MLRO Responsibilities)

• Act as the firm's in-country MLRO under the oversight of the Group Director of Compliance & Group MLRO.
• Manage Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and submissions to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).
• Maintain the firm's AML/CTF framework in accordance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, POCA 2002, and the Terrorism Act 2000.
• Oversee transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence processes.
• Conduct financial crime risk assessments and escalate material issues appropriately.

Policies, Controls & Monitoring

• Maintain and update compliance policies and procedures, including AML/CTF policies, the Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP), and conduct risk policies.
• Carry out periodic compliance monitoring and testing activities.
• Support internal investigations relating to compliance breaches.
• Prepare compliance and financial crime reports for the local Board and Group BARC, with Group Director sign-off.

FCA Engagement

• Act as a point of contact for day-to-day FCA interactions, escalating material matters to the Group Director.
• Support supervisory reviews, information requests, and regulatory inspections.
• Assist with the implementation of regulatory change.

Governance & Training

• Maintain SMCR responsibilities and up-to-date documentation.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate compliance and AML training.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the UK business.

Qualifications and Experience: 

We are looking for candidates with a solid foundation in compliance and financial crime, who are ready to take on MLRO responsibilities with appropriate senior support. The ideal candidate will have:

• 3–5 years of experience in a compliance, financial crime, or AML role within a regulated financial institution.
• Experience working within an FCA-regulated firm — ideally an EMI, payment institution, or fintech.
• Experience as a Deputy MLRO, or a strong readiness to step into an MLRO role for the first time.
• Working knowledge of the FCA Handbook, Money Laundering Regulations, Payment Services Regulations, and Electronic Money Regulations.
• Familiarity with SAR submissions, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail.
• A pragmatic, risk-based approach to compliance.
• Experience working in or with emerging markets, including Africa, is an advantage but not required.

You Will Be A Good Fit If You Are:

• A reliable and diligent professional who takes ownership of their responsibilities.
• A confident communicator who can engage clearly with colleagues, management, and regulators.
• Comfortable working under supervision and escalating issues appropriately.
• Organised and able to manage multiple work streams to a high standard.
• Collaborative and able to work closely with a wider GRC team.
• Adaptable and comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced fintech environment.

Why Work for Us:

• We work at the cutting edge of fintech in Africa, solving real problems for real people.
• We have a diverse team of over 28 nationalities and a culture of caring and high performance.
• We offer flexible working and an unlimited leave policy.
• We provide a competitive salary package and performance bonuses.
• We invest in the well-being and growth of every member of our team.