We are seeking a senior compliance professional to join our London office as the
Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
and
Head of Compliance
. This individual will be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as the
SMF17 function holder
under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR). The role is central to ensuring the firm's compliance with UK anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and sanctions legislation. The MLRO will also act as the main point of contact for regulatory bodies such as the FCA and the National Crime Agency (NCA), and coordinate closely with our Chinese headquarters to maintain cross-border compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain AML/CTF frameworks and internal controls in compliance with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Terrorism Act 2000, and Money Laundering Regulations 2017.
Conduct firm-wide AML risk assessments, oversee Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and monitor customer onboarding standards.
Submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the NCA and maintain appropriate documentation as required by law.
Deliver AML and compliance training to staff and oversee internal audits of financial crime controls.
Ensure the firm remains compliant with evolving FCA regulations and industry best practices.
Act as SMF17 (MLRO) under the FCA's Senior Managers Regime, assuming personal accountability for financial crime compliance.
Liaise with the company's Chinese headquarters and international partners to align group-wide compliance practices.
Qualifications and Experience
Proven experience in a senior AML or compliance role within the financial services sector, ideally as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO.
Strong working knowledge of UK AML/CTF legislation, FCA rules, and regulatory reporting requirements.
Familiarity with compliance management frameworks, internal audit practices, and risk-based approaches.
Professional certifications such as ICA, ACAMS, or legal/compliance qualifications are desirable.
Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead and influence across departments.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact confidently with regulators and executive leadership.
Fluency in Mandarin and English
is essential to support internal communications and documentation review.
Additional Information
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews due to the high volume of applications.