Job Description

Job Title: Head of Financial Crime and MLRO (SM17)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 09.00 - 17.00 36.25 hours per week
Salary: dependent on experience and up to 30% bonus and benefits
Location: Flexible - hybrid work from any of our vibrant UK offices in London, Cardiff, Durham or Blackpool.
At Tandem, we're not just a bank; we're a movement for positive change. If you're an ambitious and dedicated Head of Financial Crime and MLRO, ready to make an impact, we've got a space with your name on it!
Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), the Head of Financial Crime and (MLRO) is a second line and critical role supporting the CRO and Executive team in identifying and managing financial crime risks associated with the strategy and business plans for Tandem Bank Ltd (FRN:204479 Dual Regulated).
This role is responsible for providing independent support and challenge and oversight of Group-wide financial crime risks and risk management. This includes being responsible for supporting the oversight and challenge of business areas, for ensuring there are effective controls in place to identify, manage and monitor all financial crime risks, and designing and operating financial crime frameworks, policies and procedures.
We are Tandem - Where impact meets innovation
Tandem is the UK's greener digital bank on a bold quest to revolutionise the way we save, borrow, spend, and share - all while nurturing our planet, our people and our customers. As one of Europe's fastest growing digital banks, our values of being Brave, Enterprising, Simple, and Together (BEST) ensure our 500-strong team collaborate to drive a brighter, greener future.
Your team: Collaborators in change
Tandem is proud to offer a workplace with diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds which leads to a unique company culture for our people and a better experience for our customers.
This role is responsible for providing independent support and challenge and oversight of Group-wide financial crime risks and risk management. This includes being responsible for supporting the oversight and challenge of business areas, for ensuring there are effective controls in place to identify, manage and monitor all financial crime risks, and designing and operating financial crime frameworks, policies and procedures.
The responsibilities under the UK Senior Managers Regime pursuant to the rules and guidance promulgated by the FCA and PRA are set out in full in the Statement of Responsibilities.
Your Impact: Building a greener tomorrow
As Head of Financial Crime and MLRO at Tandem your focus will be on:
Regulatory:

• This role is subject to regulatory approval as you will hold SMF17 under SMCR. You will be responsible for the discharge of all duties in relation to this, having responsibility for the money laundering reporting function of Tandem Bank

Financial Crime:

• Develop, implement and maintain the bank's AML/CTF policies, procedures, and controls.
• Oversee daily transaction monitoring and conduct risk-based reviews of alerts.
• Evaluate and report suspicious activity reports (SARs) to the National Crime Agency in line with Proceeds of Crime Act requirements.
• Lead periodic AML risk assessments, gap analyses and regulatory change impact reviews.
• Deliver training and awareness programmes to staff and senior management on AML/CTF obligations.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, external auditors, law enforcement bodies and regulators during inspections or investigations.
• Assessing and mitigating money laundering risks within the organization
• Maintain 2nd line oversight of financial crime operations and activities
• Reporting to senior management, providing regular updates to the Board, including the MLRO Report, Bank-wide Risk Assessment
• Remaining informed and up to date on all changes in AML regulations and best practice
• Committee Appointments: Member of Financial Crime Working Group

In addition to the responsibilities summarised above you are required to comply at all times with the Conduct Rules set out in the FCA Handbook and the PRA Rulebook.
We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Professional qualification in AML/CTF (e.g., ICA International Diploma for AML, ACAMS certification).
• Demonstrable leadership experience in AML roles within a UK retail bank or financial institution.
• Deep knowledge of UK Money Laundering Regulations, Proceeds of Crime Act, Terrorist Financing Act and FCA handbook.
• Proven track record of managing STR processes, regulatory submissions and remediation programmes.
• Hands-on experience with transaction monitoring systems and AML case-management tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Skilled at building internal and external networks, and leveraging relationships to deliver results
• Successful track record of growing and enhancing risk functions in the financial services industry
• Proactivity in driving transformation and fostering innovation, while ensuring BAU operations remain at the highest standards
• Collaborative, customer-centric mindset
• Balancing strategic and tactical responsibilities
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and data-driven capability

Rewards that reflect your value, what's in it for you?
At Tandem, your hard work is rewarded in many ways, and we have an enhanced employee benefits package on offer from your very first day with us:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 days Bank Holiday
• An additional day off for a 'celebration day' including, but not limited to, birthdays, weddings, religious holidays, graduations etc
• Buy or sell up to 5 days holiday a year
• Healthcare cash plan through Westfield Health
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme and a free helmet
• Salary sacrifice Pension contribution*, 4% employee contributions matched with 4% Tandem contribution (*Subject to salary eligibility)
• Smart Tech scheme (buy goods with 0% interest)
• 10% discount on solar panels
• Tandem Hub for treats, cash back and discounts on UK retailers
• 2 days per year paid volunteering
• Free cereal, snacks and drinks in all offices
• Quarterly team social budgets

Our Green Deal: Your Impact Amplified
A little welcome gift from us to you, we'll plant a tree in the Tandem Grove, and you can enter into our "Green Deal" below:

• Volunteer 2 days a year for charity

receive an early Friday finish * Raise 200 per annum for charity
Tandem provide PR and marketing support * Have renewable energy at home
receive an additional 1 day annual leave * Drive an electric car
receive 500 towards a home charger
Ready to make your mark?
Apply now and let's pave the way to a greener world, together. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Sourcing Model
Recruitment at Tandem works primarily on a direct sourcing model and does not accept resumes from recruitment agencies which are not on the preferred supplier list. We are not responsible for any related fees for resumes submitted to job postings, our employees, or any other part of our company. You can find our Applicant Privacy Policy on our Careers page. Tandem is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to meeting our responsibilities under the Equality Act (2010). We respect the diverse experience and talents that every individual brings to our Company, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Please be aware that background checking (including credit, criminal records and CIFAS Internal Fraud Database Checks) form part of our recruitment process. We will adhere to our duties under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.