Director of Risk, Compliance & MLRO (SMF16&17)

Overview

In this role, you will sit on the Executive Management Team to provide independent oversight of risk, compliance and MLRO activities. You will shape and operate the compliance function, implementing controls and frameworks to foster a strong risk culture. You’ll lead the Compliance Assurance program, monitor non-financial risks, and ensure UK regulatory alignment including AML. You will partner with executives to anticipate major risk exposures and report to boards and regulators. This is a strategic, governance‑driven opportunity to influence risk culture at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Compliance Assurance programme across the business
• Develop, implement and maintain compliance, risk and financial crime frameworks
• Provide robust oversight on non-financial risks in collaboration with the CEO
• Horizon scan to ensure compliance with UK regulations, including AML and financial crime
• Provide forward-looking risk insights and stakeholder analysis
• Design and enhance 2nd Line of Defence oversight
• Oversee compliance monitoring through testing of first-line QA and Thematic Reviews
• Support People strategy with SMCR and promote awareness and prevention of conduct risk
• Carry out MLRO responsibilities with authority and independence
• Prepare MLRO annual report and present recommendations to BRAC
• MLRO reporting to regulatory bodies and board/committees

Key requirements

• Proven experience in Risk management and Compliance in UK Financial regulated mortgages business
• Strong MCOBS experience
• Thorough understanding of SMCR
• Commercially minded
• Previously held an SMF16 or SMF17 role, both would desirable

• relationship management
• stakeholder management
• ability to challenge at all levels
• UK financial regulation
• AML/financial crime controls
• SMCR (Senior Manager Certification Regime)

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