Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer

A leading financial institution in London is seeking a Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer to join their team. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape compliance and legal frameworks, ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of regulatory excellence. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of compliance, anti-money laundering, and legal counsel, providing expert guidance across the business. The organisation values your commitment to maintaining high standards, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting continuous professional development. With flexible working opportunities and access to ongoing training, this position is ideal for someone who thrives in an inclusive setting where your expertise will be recognised and your contributions valued.

Take ownership of compliance and AML policies, procedures, and annual risk assessments while collaborating with internal teams to ensure regulatory adherence.

• Lead and nurture a dedicated compliance team, delivering in-person training sessions and chairing key committees that drive market standards.
• Act as the main point of contact for regulators, manage surveillance systems, oversee transaction reporting, and provide timely legal advice on business matters.

What you'll do:

As Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer you will play a central role in shaping the organisation's approach to regulatory compliance. Your day-to-day activities will involve:

• Reviewing policies, conducting risk assessments, supervising training initiatives for staff members, chairing committees that set market standards.
• Monitoring surveillance systems for trades and communications, overseeing transaction reporting processes, liaising directly with regulators such as the FCA.
• Managing conflict registers and complaints procedures sensitively, submitting regulatory reports promptly when required.
• Addressing financial crime issues proactively according to established laws and company policies.

You will also maintain robust monitoring programmes aligned with approved manuals while implementing necessary changes following new FCA rules. Your legal expertise will be called upon regularly as you provide guidance on business products/services strategies alongside management teams. Staying up-to-date with legislative changes is essential so you can advise effectively on evolving requirements.

Success in this role requires a collaborative mindset; you'll work closely with colleagues across departments while nurturing a culture of shared responsibility for compliance excellence.

• Oversee all applicable local regulatory frameworks including CASS, SYSC, and SMCR, ensuring comprehensive compliance across the organisation.
• Conduct annual reviews and updates of compliance and anti-money laundering policies and procedures, including market abuse risk assessments.
• Supervise compliance and AML staff training programmes, delivering engaging in-person market abuse training sessions to enhance knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with wider teams to input into and calibrate key documents related to compliance responsibilities.
• Maintain the Conflict of Interest Register and handle complaint procedures with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Chair relevant internal committees such as the Market Standards Committee, fostering a collaborative approach to decision-making.
• Monitor trade and communication surveillance in London, calibrating monitoring systems for optimal effectiveness.
• Oversee transaction reporting processes in London to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all communications with applicable regulators including the FCA.
• Monitor NASDAQ SMARTS alerts, acting as final arbiter when reports are received, ensuring prompt resolution.
• Submit Suspicious Transaction Orders (STORs) to FCA or Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to NCA as required by regulations.
• Monitor dealing errors and incident reports within employees, providing solutions for financial crime matters in accordance with laws and company policies.
• Maintain the Compliance Monitoring Program as per approved procedures manual, ensuring ongoing adherence to best practices.
• Perform duties related to Personal Account Dealing according to firm rules, safeguarding integrity within the organisation.
• Implement changes to systems, controls, and procedures in response to FCA rule changes affecting the firm.
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of FCA consultation documents, policy notices, and other publications relevant to compliance.
• Monitor suspicious activity from both clients and employees with a keen eye for detail.
• Ensure timely submission of regulatory returns in line with FCA requirements.
• Fulfil prescribed responsibilities under SMCR for SMF 16 and 17 roles as part of senior management duties.
• Provide timely, accurate legal advice on matters applicable to business products and services while collaborating closely with management on strategy.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislative alterations impacting business operations.