MLRO

MLRO

Description

 FCA-authorised Institution, is seeking an experienced Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to lead its financial crime compliance framework. The MLRO will act as the firm’s senior point of contact with regulators and law enforcement in respect of AML/CTF obligations and will oversee the company’s systems and controls for preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions breaches.

Requirements

• Proven experience as MLRO, Deputy MLRO, or senior financial crime role within an FCA-regulated firm (preferably EMI, PI, or banking).

• In-depth knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulations, Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), JMLSG Guidance, FCA Handbook (SYSC/REPCRIM).

• Strong understanding of PSD2/PSD3, e-money/payment services, and card scheme compliance obligations.

• Excellent analytical, investigative, and report-writing skills.

• Ability to liaise confidently with FCA, HMRC, NCA, Mastercard, and other stakeholders.

• Approved/approvable for FCA SMF17 function.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the designated MLRO (SMF17) with responsibility for compliance with all AML/CTF obligations.

• Receive, investigate, and report Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the NCA.

• Oversee and continually enhance Smartflow’s AML/CTF and sanctions framework, including risk assessments, policies, transaction monitoring, and EDD processes.

• Provide senior management and the Board with regular MI and updates on financial crime risks and compliance.

• Ensure sanctions screening is robust and aligned with Mastercard Rule 1.2 and all relevant UK/EU/OFAC sanctions lists.

• Lead the remediation of any findings from internal/external audits, regulators, or card schemes.

• Deliver training and awareness to staff across the business on AML/CTF obligations.

• Act as primary point of contact for the FCA, Mastercard, auditors, and law enforcement on AML/CTF matters.

Nice to Have

• ICA Diploma in AML or equivalent professional certification.

• Previous experience in a fintech or payments start-up environment.

• Knowledge of cross-border payments, correspondent banking, and crypto/virtual asset frameworks.

• Experience handling Mastercard BRAM investigations and scheme compliance escalations.

• Multi-lingual capability (especially Eastern European languages).

Working Conditions

• Based in London  (4 days in office / 1 remote).

• Competitive compensation.

• Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and working closely with the Compliance, Risk, and Operations teams.

• High-visibility role with significant responsibility and autonomy.

• Requirement to be FCA-approved as SMF17 (MLRO).