Uk Compliance Manager

Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Compliance Manager & Deputy MLRO to join our UK team, reporting directly to the UK Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The role will be based within a UK regulated authorised payment institution, while also playing a critical part in the wider global compliance function of the Deel group. The successful candidate will support the UK CCO in ensuring the business adheres to relevant regulatory frameworks in the UK, whilst also supporting compliance operations globally.

The ideal candidate will have broad experience across compliance topics, with a solid understanding of payment services regulations, financial crime prevention, anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks, IT security requirements, operational risk and resilience topics and data protection laws. In this role, you will act as the Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the UK regulated entity and work closely with the global compliance function to drive best practices and ensure alignment with international regulatory standards.

Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance (UK Focus):

Support the UK Chief Compliance Officer in overseeing the regulatory compliance framework, ensuring the organisation meets all FCA requirements.
Conduct regular reviews of internal compliance policies and procedures, updating them as necessary to reflect changes in the UK regulatory landscape.
Assist in preparing and submitting regulatory reports and notifications to the FCA and other UK regulators.
Provide advisory support to various business units on compliance-related matters, with a focus on payment services regulations.

Deputy MLRO (UK):

Act as the Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the UK entity.
Assist in the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of the organisation's AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) program.
Monitor, investigate, and report any suspicious activities to the UK MLRO and relevant authorities.
Conduct internal audits and reviews related to financial crime prevention, ensuring robust controls are in place.
Stay updated on UK financial crime legislation and ensure the organisation remains compliant with current AML/CTF requirements.

Global Compliance Coordination:

Collaborate with the global compliance team to ensure alignment of compliance policies and practices across all jurisdictions where the parent entity operates.
Act as a point of contact for global compliance initiatives, ensuring that global standards are adhered to in the UK and vice versa.
Contribute to global compliance risk assessments, audits, and projects, with a view to improving the global compliance framework.
Provide training and guidance to global and regional teams on compliance-related matters, fostering a culture of compliance across the organisation.

Financial Crime Prevention:

Conduct regular risk assessments for financial crime and report findings to the UK MLRO and the Global Head of Compliance.
Implement strategies to mitigate risks related to money laundering, fraud, bribery, and corruption.
Develop and deliver ongoing compliance training programs for UK and global teams, with a particular focus on AML/CTF risks.

IT Security, Operational Risk, and Resilience:

Provide compliance oversight and input on IT security requirements, ensuring that cybersecurity measures align with regulatory standards and organisational policies.
Collaborate with IT and risk management teams to ensure operational resilience frameworks are in place, covering areas such as business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response.
Assist in assessing and mitigating operational risks, ensuring that the business is adequately prepared for potential disruptions and regulatory changes in these areas.
Ensure compliance with operational risk requirements, including regular testing and updates of operational resilience plans.

Data Protection and Privacy:

Ensure the organisation complies with UK data protection laws (GDPR) and relevant international data privacy regulations.
Assist in managing any data breach incidents in coordination with the UK DPO (Data Protection Officer) and global counterparts.

General Compliance Knowledge:

Stay abreast of regulatory changes, compliance best practices, and relevant industry trends.
Provide expert advice and guidance on compliance topics including but not limited to consumer protection, financial crime, sanctions, and ethical business practices.

Reporting and Documentation:

Prepare reports and presentations for senior management and the board on key compliance issues, regulatory updates, and financial crime risks.
Assist with the preparation and submission of required filings and communications to relevant regulatory bodies.

Key Skills & Competencies:

In-depth understanding of the FCA regulatory framework, particularly related to payment services or e-money.
Strong knowledge of AML/CTF regulations and requirements, with prior experience in a Deputy MLRO or similar role.
Working knowledge of IT security requirements and operational risk and resilience best practices.
Experience working within a global compliance function, with an ability to navigate cross-border regulatory requirements.
Attention to detail, with the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, both independently and cross-functionally.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the capability to articulate legal and regulatory obligations to all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal departments, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess compliance risks and recommend appropriate controls. 
Entrepreneurial drive with a can-do attitude
A growth-mindset that enables creativity in thinking, an ability to deal with ambiguity, management of changing priorities, and consistency in learning from others.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business or relevant field, or equivalent work experience (Fintech/payments experience is highly regarded)
Minimum 5 years of experience in compliance, internal controls, audit, or risk management, preferably in fintech or payments environment
Professional certificates/qualifications in compliance, AML/CFT, risk management, finance, and/or fintech or relevant certification such as CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE are nice to have but not required.