Job Description

Wexe2x80x99re looking for a Head of Financial Crime - Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)We're looking for a hands-on and strategic Head of Financial Crime - MLRO to lead iwocaxe2x80x99s financial crime compliance in the UK. Youxe2x80x99ll be responsible for developing and maintaining a robust AML framework, ensuring we meet all regulatory expectations while supporting the business in scaling safely and responsibly. Reporting directly to the UK General Manager (who is also a co-founder), you'll play a key role in protecting iwoca, our customers, and our reputation.About usFast, flexible finance empowers small businesses to manage their cash flow better and seize opportunities - making their business and the economy stronger as a whole. At iwoca, we do just that. We help businesses get the funds they need, when they need it, often within minutes.Wexe2x80x99ve already made several billion in funding available to over 100,000 businesses since we launched in 2012, and positioned ourselves as a leading Fintech in Europe. Our mission is to finance one million businesses. Wexe2x80x99ll get there by continuing to make our finance ever more relevant and accessible to more businesses by combining cutting-edge technology, data science and a 5-star customer serviceYour missionFinancial Crime & AML OversightServe as iwocaxe2x80x99s registered MLRO for UK operations, with responsibility for AML, CTF, sanctions, and fraud risk managementOwn and evolve iwocaxe2x80x99s financial crime framework, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory expectationsLead investigation and reporting of suspicious activities, including SAR submissions and law enforcement liaisonDevelop and implement UK-specific AML Risk Assessments, Customer Risk Assessments, and Country Risk Assessments to ensure robust controls are in place across all relevant areas.Risk Assessment & MonitoringConduct regular financial crime risk assessments and ensure effective controls are in place to manage emerging risksOversee transaction monitoring, customer due diligence, and enhanced due diligence processes to ensure they are effective, scalable, and aligned with iwocaxe2x80x99s growth in new productsLead the design, implementation, and maintenance of transaction monitoring controls, working closely with Operations, Legal, and Product teams to integrate them into iwocaxe2x80x99s UK product offeringsCollaborate with internal teams to improve and streamline financial crime compliance workflows, ensuring they align with new product developmentsPolicy & TrainingDevelop and maintain AML/CTF and financial crime policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best industry practicesDeliver engaging training programmes across the organisation, promoting awareness and understanding of financial crime risks, and ensuring that both first- and second-line teams are equipped to identify and mitigate risksWork with the Product and Transformation teams to ensure financial crime compliance is embedded into new product offerings and services from the outsetGovernance & Regulatory EngagementAct as the primary contact for financial crime matters with the FCA and relevant authoritiesLead the development and delivery of MLRO reporting, internal MI, and dashboards to track financial crime risks and performance metrics, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to senior managementOversee financial crime policy and procedure updates, ensuring compliance with changing UK regulations and best practicesProvide regular updates and reports on financial crime risk management activities, including findings from investigations, risk assessments, and key metrics for senior managementTeam Leadership & CollaborationLead the financial crime compliance team, setting direction and supporting developmentCollaborate with Legal, Product, Operations, and Risk teams to embed financial crime compliance into business processesManage the investigation and operational resolution of financial crime flags escalated by the first line of defence, including fraud and SARsRequirements8+ years of experience in financial crime compliance, with prior MLRO or Deputy MLRO experience, ideally in B2B lending, fintech, or alternative creditStrong understanding of UK and EU AML regulations, sanctions compliance, and fraud preventionExperience in scaling compliance programmes for businesses diversifying their product offerings (e.g., credit cards, BNPL, EMI)Expertise in risk assessments, CDD, EDD, and transaction monitoringProven ability to collaborate with internal teams (management, product, risk) and external regulators (e.g., FCA, law enforcement)Ability to manage the evolving financial crime risks associated with product diversificationLeadership experience and the ability to build and maintain effective compliance frameworksRelevant professional certifications (e.g. ICA Diploma in AML or Financial Crime Prevention)The salaryWexe2x80x99re open-minded, so definitely include your salary goals with your application. We routinely benchmark salaries against market rates and run quarterly performance and salary reviews.The cultureAt iwoca, we look to hire smart, passionate, humble individuals with a growth mindset. We prioritise a culture of learning, growth, and support, and invest in the professional development of our team members.We value thought and skill diversity and encourage you to explore new areas of interest to help us innovate and improve our products and services.Our friendly and inclusive environment, combined with our flexible work policies, ensures that you'll have the perfect balance between work and life, empowering you to thrive both personally and professionally.The officesWe put a lot of effort into making iwoca a brilliant place to work:Offices in London, Leeds, and Frankfurt with plenty of drinks and snacksEvents and clubs, like bingo, comedy nights, yoga classes, football, etc.The benefitsMedical insurance from Vitality, including discounted gym membershipA private GP service (separate from Vitality) for you, your partner, and your dependents.25 daysxe2x80x99 holiday, an extra day off for your birthday, the option to buy or sell an additional five days of annual leave, and unlimited unpaid leaveA one-month, fully paid sabbatical after four years.Instant access to emotional and mental health support.3% Pension contributions and share options.Generous parental leave and a nursery tax benefit scheme to help you save money.Cycle-to-work scheme and electric car scheme.Two company retreats a year, wexe2x80x99ve been to France, Italy, Spain, and further afield.And to make sure we all keep learning, we offer:A learning and development budget for everyone.Company-wide talks with internal and external speakers.Access to learning platforms like Treehouse.Useful links:

iwoca