We are partnering with a high-growth Global Payments Firm is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Risk & Compliance to lead and strengthen its UK risk and compliance team. Operating at the forefront of digital payments innovation, the firm provides cutting-edge financial infrastructure solutions to businesses worldwide. The organisation is going through a growth phase and this is an essential appointment as they look to scale.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing robust risk management and compliance programmes in line with UK regulatory requirements, including oversight by UK regulators.

The successful candidate will act as a key advisor to the executive team and Board, ensuring the organisation maintains the highest standards of regulatory compliance, governance, and risk mitigation while supporting sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the development and execution of the firm’s UK risk and compliance strategy, and act as SMF16 for the organisation.
Act as the primary point of contact with the Financial Conduct Authority and other relevant regulatory bodies.
Oversee and maintain compliance with applicable UK regulations, including those related to payments services and electronic money.
Develop, implement, and monitor enterprise-wide risk management frameworks (operational, financial, regulatory, and reputational risks).
Lead AML, CTF, sanctions, and financial crime prevention programmes in line with UK regulatory expectations.
Provide oversight of KYC/CDD processes and transaction monitoring systems.
Prepare and present risk and compliance reports to the Board and senior leadership.
Ensure effective internal controls, policies, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed.
Lead regulatory reporting submissions and manage audits and regulatory inspections.
Manage and mentor a high-performing risk and compliance team.
Partner with Product, Operations, and Commercial teams to ensure compliant product development and market expansion.

Key Requirements:

Extensive senior-level experience in risk and compliance within a UK-regulated payments, fintech, e-money, cryptocurrency or financial services firm with payments exposure.
Strong working knowledge of FCA requirements, including the Payment Services Regulations and Electronic Money Regulations.
Experience in regulatory frameworks and controls for onboarding corporate clients, or from a B2B environment, as well as experience onboarding non-UK clients.
Demonstrable experience operating under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SMCR).
Proven experience engaging directly with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Deep expertise in AML/CTF frameworks, financial crime risk management, and sanctions compliance.
Strong understanding of operational risk, enterprise risk management, and governance frameworks.
Experience acting as SMF16 and/or SMF17 (preferred) or leading a compliance function/team
Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and Board-level communication skills.
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset.
Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, legal or compliance certifications) preferred but not essential

For more information, or for a confidential chat, please apply to this role with your updated CV!

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