Senior Manager MLRO, Compliance

About the Role

As a key member of the compliance team, the Senior Manager MLRO will work closely with various stakeholders, including the UK Compliance Director, global Financial Crimes leaders, and external partners. The role requires strong leadership and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements and compliance issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

The Senior Manager MLRO will be responsible for providing second-line oversight of the UK financial crimes compliance program, including AML, sanctions, suspicious activity governance, and related control frameworks. This will involve overseeing suspicious activity escalation, internal referral, and reporting governance for the UK entity, including review and escalation of matters requiring MLRO judgment.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17) for the UK entity, subject to final organizational and regulatory approvals.
• Provide second-line oversight of the UK financial crimes compliance program, including AML, sanctions, suspicious activity governance, and related control frameworks.
• Oversee suspicious activity escalation, internal referral, and reporting governance for the UK entity, including review and escalation of matters requiring MLRO judgment.
• Support the design, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the UK AML and financial crimes framework, ensuring alignment to applicable FCA and UK regulatory expectations.
• Lead the development of the firm's Financial Crime Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP) ensuring its suitability is aligned to the risk appetite of the firm, the regulatory landscape, and the market within which the UK entity operates.
• Lead and execute the UK entity's Business-wide compliance risk assessment (BWRA) and control inventory, by identifying financial crimes risks, control gaps, regulatory developments, and governance priorities.
• Partner with UK Compliance and global Financial Crimes leaders to maintain a clear and effective UK control environment across onboarding, transaction monitoring, investigations, screening, and related financial crimes processes.
• Oversee or coordinate UK financial crimes issue management, including identification of issues, remediation tracking, escalation, and closure governance.
• Lead preparation of the firm's annual MLRO report for senior management and the Board of Directors, detailing the control effectiveness of anti-money laundering systems and controls.
• Support internal audit, external audit, regulatory examinations, and bank partner reviews relevant to UK financial crimes compliance.

What We Are Looking For

• Extensive knowledge of FCA and other servicing regulations.
• Exceptional analytical skills and a proven track record in developing and implementing effective compliance programs.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements and compliance issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in managing AML and financial crimes compliance programs.
• Strong understanding of the UK regulatory landscape and the market within which the UK entity operates.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.

Nice to Have

• Experience in a similar role within the financial services industry.
• Certification in AML or compliance, such as CAMS or CCEP.
• Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in AML and financial crimes compliance.
• Experience working with global teams and stakeholders.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a leading fintech company.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.

• Ensure you have a deep understanding of FCA regulations and AML practices before applying.
• Highlight your experience in compliance and AML in your resume and cover letter.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to developing and implementing effective compliance programs.
• Research Affirm's company culture and values to understand their commitment to transparency and consumer-friendly practices.
• Be ready to provide examples of your leadership and collaboration skills, particularly in a compliance context.
• Consider obtaining certifications like CAMS or CCEP to demonstrate your expertise in AML and compliance.
• Emphasize your ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements and compliance issues to non-technical stakeholders.