Senior Compliance Specialist

Role Overview

• Perform independent quality assurance (QA) reviews of KYC onboarding and periodic review files
• Validate the effectiveness of 1LoD control execution, including control testing outputs
• Identify control weaknesses, systemic issues, and remediation actions
• Produce actionable management information (MI) and trend analysis
• Review, challenge, and approve high-risk onboarding and ongoing monitoring escalations
• Conduct in-depth EDD investigations on complex client relationships
• Draft robust, audit-ready risk assessments and escalation papers
• Escalate material cases to senior management, including MLRO/DMLRO where required
• Lead the onboarding and review of intermediary (fintech) client relationships
• Conduct on-site compliance monitoring visits and desktop reviews
• Assess client AML frameworks, governance standards, and operational controls
• Provide clear recommendations on risk acceptance and mitigation
• Perform control testing over 2LoD controls and compliance frameworks
• Support thematic reviews and deep dives into key financial crime risk areas
• Identify gaps and contribute to strengthening the control environment
• Deliver AML / KYC / sanctions training to operational and commercial teams
• Act as a trusted advisor to Sales, KYC, and wider business stakeholders
• Support embedding of a strong compliance culture
• Draft high-quality escalations, committee papers, and Board reporting inputs
• Prepare and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) where required
• Support governance forums (e.g. high-risk committees / working groups)
• Support the development and enhancement of:
• AML/KYC policies and procedures
• QA frameworks and methodologies
• Risk appetite and controls documentation
• Contribute to regulatory change initiatives and compliance projects

Requirements

• Strong experience in AML/Financial Crime Compliance, ideally within a regulated financial services firm
• Deep understanding of:
• KYC / CDD / EDD processes
• Sanctions, PEP screening, and adverse media
• Experience reviewing and challenging high-risk or complex client cases
• Proven ability to draft:
• Escalation papers
• Risk assessments
• SARs
• Excellent analytical, written, and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to apply risk-based judgement
• A true team player with a winning mentality and strong work ethic committed to continuous improvement and high performance.
• Adaptable, tenacious and flexible who can perform under pressure.
• Solid experience in a 2LoD Compliance role (Desirable)
• Experience with fintech / intermediary clients (PSPs, EMIs, platforms) (Desirable)
• Strong understanding of Corporate and Institutional clients (Desirable)
• Experience conducting compliance monitoring / on-site reviews (Desirable)
• Experience in policy drafting and governance reporting (Desirable)
• Proven track record in project management and stakeholder engagement (Desirable)
• Strong understanding of risk and controls frameworks (Desirable)

Benefits

• Time to Recharge
• 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Holiday loyalty scheme rewarding long-term service
• Work abroad scheme for added flexibility
• Competitive pension scheme via salary exchange
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme (eligible after probation)
• Financial education, planning & coaching platform
• Interest-free Season Ticket Loan for London travel
• Salary exchange nursery fee scheme
• Life Insurance
• Healthcare platform including:
• Cashback on dental, optical & physio
• Virtual GP access
• Mental health and stress support helplines
• Additional wellbeing resources
• Enhanced parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible benefits that support everyday life
• Career development and progression tools
• Opportunities to grow within a fast-scaling international business
• A Great Team Culture