Location: London (hybrid)
Engagement: Interim or fractional, with a route to a permanent Head of Compliance & MLRO appointment on authorisation
Sector: Payments technology / embedded payments
Day rate: Competitive, dependent on experience
The company
Our client is a fast-growing, London-based payments technology company building embedded payment solutions for venue operators. The business is currently mid-way through its Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Authorised Payment Institution (API) application and is looking to bring in an experienced compliance professional to lead the safeguarding and AML/CTF framework build and support the application through to authorisation.
The role
This is a hands-on, build-from-the-ground-up mandate. You will take ownership of the compliance and financial crime framework at a critical stage of the business's regulatory journey, working closely with the founder/CEO and the wider leadership team. Responsibilities include:
Leading the design and implementation of the AML/CTF framework, including risk assessments, policies and procedures
Building and embedding the safeguarding framework in line with the FCA's current safeguarding regime (PS25/12), including reconciliation, segregation and reporting processes
Acting as a key point of contact for the FCA during the API authorisation process, responding to regulator queries and supporting the application narrative
Establishing ongoing MLRO responsibilities: suspicious activity reporting, financial crime risk monitoring, and staff training
Working with acquiring and payments infrastructure partners to ensure compliance controls are reflected in operational processes
Preparing the business for life as a regulated firm post-authorisation, including governance, reporting lines and ongoing SMF16/17 obligations
What we're looking for
A proven track record of taking a payments or e-money firm through FCA authorisation — API authorisation experience specifically is highly desirable
Hands-on experience of the current safeguarding regime under PS25/12, not just theoretical familiarity
Prior MLRO and/or Head of Compliance experience within a regulated payments, e-money or fintech business
Comfortable operating in a small, fast-moving team, building frameworks from scratch rather than inheriting an established function
Strong communication skills, with experience engaging directly with the FCA
What's on offer
This role is being offered on an interim or fractional basis in the first instance, with a clear route to a permanent Head of Compliance & MLRO appointment once the business is authorised. Day rate or retained terms are competitive and will be discussed based on experience and the shape of engagement (fractional vs. full-time interim) that best suits both parties.
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SMF16 and SMF17 explained →What compliance oversight and the MLRO function involve.Preparing for an approval interview →What the FCA or PRA will ask and how to prepare.SMF and compliance salary guide →Salaries and day rates for compliance roles.Hiring for your own team?
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Compliance officer roles at FCA-regulated firms usually carry the SMF16 Compliance Oversight function, which means regulatory approval before you start and personal accountability for the firm's compliance framework once you are in post. Firms look for people who can design and run a proportionate monitoring programme, give the board clear and honest reporting, and challenge the business when they need to.
Sector experience matters more than most candidates expect: a compliance officer from wealth management will be judged differently at a consumer credit lender or an insurance broker. Our guides to the SMF16 and SMF17 functions and to compliance officers at insurance brokers explain what firms in different sectors expect, and the salary guide sets out typical pay and day rates.
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