Head of Compliance - Smf16

We are working with a well-funded, fast-growing fintech that is looking to appoint a Head of Compliance & MLRO to take responsibility for the SMF16 and SMF17 functions. This is not a role for someone looking simply to manage an established compliance framework. The business is evolving quickly, and the successful person will need to be comfortable building and improving the control environment as the company grows, while making sure that regulation is properly considered in commercial and product decisions. Working closely with the CEO, Board and wider management team, the Head of Compliance will have genuine influence over how the business develops. The role You will have overall responsibility for Compliance and Financial Crime and, subject to FCA approval, hold the SMF16 and SMF17 functions. Responsibilities will include:

• Owning and continuing to develop the firm's compliance framework as the business scales.
• Providing practical regulatory advice to the Board, senior management and wider business.
• Acting as the principal point of contact with the FCA and developing a strong and credible relationship with the regulator.
• Leading the firm's approach to financial crime, AML, KYC, sanctions and associated controls.
• Ensuring regulatory developments are understood and translated into appropriate action across the business.
• Providing oversight and challenge around new products, propositions and strategic initiatives.
• Ensuring Consumer Duty remains embedded within the business as it grows.
• Developing monitoring, reporting and governance appropriate to a growing regulated business.
• Working closely with Product, Technology, Operations and senior management rather than operating as a standalone control function.
• Supporting the business in using technology and AI effectively within Compliance, both to improve the control environment and to make the function more efficient and scalable.
• Providing clear and proportionate reporting to the Board and relevant committees.
• Helping build the Compliance function and capability as the requirements of the business develop. The person We are looking for someone with strong FCA regulatory experience gained within fintech or a similarly progressive financial services environment. Experience within an investment, wealth or financial platform business would be particularly relevant, ideally involving a consumer-facing proposition. You may already hold SMF16/17 responsibilities and have an established relationship and credibility with the FCA. Equally, the company is prepared to consider someone for whom this represents the natural next step, provided they have the depth of regulatory experience and judgement to satisfy the requirements of the role. Of equal importance will be attitude and cultural fit. The opportunity This is an opportunity to take a senior role within a business that is still relatively early in its development but has the funding, management experience and ambition to grow significantly. The successful person will have considerable exposure to the founders, Board and senior management and the opportunity to shape the regulatory framework rather than simply operate within it. For someone motivated by building something and having a genuine stake in its success, the role offers considerably more scope than a traditional Head of Compliance position. There is also the potential for equity participation as part of the overall package.