Head Of Compliance / MLRO

We are looking on behalf of our client for a Head Of Compliance / MLRO. This is a combined role, holding both the Compliance Oversight and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) controlled functions. As the Director of Compliance & MLRO you will work with the wealth advisers, their dedicated paraplanners, and the administration department to ensure the organisation adheres to legal standards, industry regulations and internal policies, while managing risk and fostering an ethical business culture.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Act as an Approved Person undertaking controlled functions (Regulated Individual with the GFSC) for both the Compliance Oversight and Money Laundering Reporting Officer functions, responsible for the prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
• Develop and lead the firm’s risk management, compliance and AML/CFT frameworks, including risk assessments and the annual monitoring plan.
• Receive internal suspicion reports (SARs), investigate them independently, and submit external disclosures to financial intelligence units or law enforcement when necessary.
• Oversee trigger events to detect unusual or suspicious activity and act as second line of defence for the approval of new business.
• Conduct compliance monitoring across all business areas, including thematic reviews, control testing, sample checks and deep-dive assessments.
• Create and maintain the money laundering risk-based approach and the risk assessment of the firm’s customers, products and services.
• Ensure the Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP) schedules are adhered to and reported against.
• Produce detailed Board reports summarising compliance and AML/CFT performance, monitoring results, breaches, KRIs, regulatory developments and remediation progress; prepare annual reports for the Board and the GFSC.
• Advise the Board and senior management on compliance changes and corporate governance.
• Own the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of all regulatory submissions.
• Assist internal and external audits by providing relevant reports, evidence and documentation.
• Manage regulatory inspections, thematic reviews, interviews and information
  requests from the GFSC, including collation and submission of required documentation.
• Handle and oversee client complaints, ensuring they are investigated, recorded, escalated and resolved in accordance with internal procedures.
• Control all GDPR policies and act as the point of contact for related internal and external issues.
• Monitor new and proposed changes in standards/legislation or GFSC notifications and implement any required changes to policies and procedures.
• Design and deliver training on regulations, internal policies and procedures, corporate governance, compliance, risk management, and money laundering/terrorist financing prevention.
• Deliver quarterly Compliance Board packs and present recommendations to the Board.
• Review and approve escalated AML cases including PEPs, EDD, complex structures, high-risk jurisdictions and adverse media.
• Represent the firm to all external agencies, e.g. regulators or law enforcement agencies, and in any other third-party enquiries related to money laundering prevention, investigation or compliance.
• Attend Board Meetings and provide updates on compliance initiatives, report on potential risks, and advise on regulatory matters that could impact strategic decisions, ensuring the Board is informed and aligned with compliance obligations.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in investment firm compliance and financial crime prevention, including MiFID, AML/CFT, conduct risk, and prudential regulation.
• At least 5 years of experience in compliance, risk management or regulatory affairs, including previous experience in a management or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of Gibraltar and UK regulatory frameworks, including the GFSC Rulebook, POCA, AML Regulations, and Consumer Duty.
• Proven ability to lead regulated functions and engage effectively with regulators.
• Expertise in designing and implementing governance frameworks, monitoring plans, and risk assessments, and in performing risk assessments to identify potential compliance and financial crime risks and appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Advanced degree and relevant compliance/AML qualifications.
• Experience managing teams and complex regulatory projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of producing boardready reports and delivering clear regulatory guidance and building relationships across departments.