Group Economic Crime Director & MLRO

Location: UK (Hybrid)

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Group Economic Crime Director & MLRO to lead and shape the economic crime framework across a large, complex, multi-entity organisation.

This is a high-impact, Director-level role sitting on the Risk & Compliance SLT, with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of economic crime risk and acting as the SMF17 (MLRO) for FCA-regulated entities.

You will play a critical role in ensuring robust systems and controls are in place to prevent, detect, and manage financial crime, while partnering with senior leadership to embed a strong risk-aware culture across the Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Group Economic Crime (2nd Line) function, setting strategy, priorities, and operating model
• Design and oversee the economic crime risk framework across: AML/CTF, sanctions, fraud, ABC, tax evasion, and insider risk
• Act as MLRO (SMF17) and primary contact for regulators including the FCA, HMRC, and OFSI
• Provide oversight and challenge to the 1st Line of Defence, including quality assurance of controls
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex financial crime decisions and high-risk cases
• Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments, identifying emerging threats and ensuring effective mitigation
• Deliver board-level reporting and MI, including the Annual MLRO Report
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders and C-suite, embedding effective financial crime controls
• Oversee training, policy development, and regulatory change implementation
• Lead and develop a high-performing economic crime team, fostering a strong risk culture
• Manage relationships with regulators, auditors, and law enforcement agencies
• Oversee high-profile investigations and ensure effective remediation

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as an MLRO (or senior DMLRO ready to step up) within an FCA-regulated environment
• Deep understanding of UK financial crime regulations and frameworks
• Experience operating at senior leadership / Director level within complex organisations
• Strong track record in designing and implementing financial crime frameworks
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Ability to influence and challenge at Board and Executive level
• Strong stakeholder management and regulatory engagement experience
• ICA qualification (or equivalent) desirable