Senior Compliance Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• 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 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 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 
• Experience with fintech / intermediary clients (PSPs, EMIs, platforms) 
• Strong understanding of Corporate and Institutional clients 
• Experience conducting compliance monitoring / on-site reviews 
• Experience in policy drafting and governance reporting 
• Proven track record in project management and stakeholder engagement 
• Strong understanding of risk and controls frameworks.

• Quality and consistency of QA output.
• Reduction in repeat findings / control failures.
• Timely and defensible escalation decisions.
• Positive audit / regulatory outcomes.
• Effectiveness of stakeholder engagement.
• Contribution to control framework improvements.

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 

• 💰 Financial Wellbeing

  •  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 

• 🩺 Health & Wellbeing

  •  Life Insurance 
  •  Healthcare platform including: 
    •  Cashback on dental, optical & physio 
    •  Virtual GP access 
    •  Mental health and stress support helplines 
    •  Additional wellbeing resources 

• 👶 Family & Lifestyle Support

  •  Enhanced parental leave 
  •  Cycle to work scheme 
  •  Flexible benefits that support everyday life 

• 🚀 Growth & Career Development

  •  Career development and progression tools 
  •  Opportunities to grow within a fast-scaling international business 

• 🎉 A Great Team Culture

• We will review your application and come back to you as soon as possible.
• You must be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
• Full background checks will be carried out on all successful candidates.