Financial Crime Director

MERJE is recruiting for a Financial Crime Director to join a leading UK non-FS business. This senior leadership position requires deep expertise in financial crime regulation, AML/CTF compliance, and fraud risk management within a complex multi-channel environment.

Location: North West - Hybrid working arrangements available

The Role

The Financial Crime Director will lead the Group's financial crime strategy, operating as a genuine second line of defence. This role oversees AML, CTF, fraud prevention, and sanctions compliance across digital and retail channels

Key Responsibilities of the Financial Crime Director

• Design and maintain the AML/CTF framework and financial crime risk assessments, ensuring full alignment with regulatory requirements and applicable legislation
• Oversee SAR filing processes including DAML consent decisions, acting as MLRO or overseeing the MLRO function to meet all statutory obligations
• Provide second line oversight and challenge to first line operations, setting compliance requirements and monitoring performance against financial crime KPI's
• Represent the organisation at external stakeholder forums and maintain strong regulatory relationships
• Lead high-risk customer escalations, ensuring robust decision-making frameworks are embedded throughout the business

Required knowledge and experience for the Financial Crime Director role

• Substantial senior-level experience within financial crime in a regulated financial services environment
• Deep technical knowledge of AML/CTF legislation, JMLSG guidance, Proceeds of Crime Act, and ECCTA fraud obligations
• Demonstrable experience managing SAR filing, DAML consent processes, and MLRO responsibilities with proven regulatory credibility
• Track record of leading compliance or financial crime teams at Director level with strong analytical and communication capabilities
• Experience designing fraud risk frameworks and knowledge of emerging technologies including AI and automation for compliance efficiency

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced financial crime professional to join a market-leading organisation in a strategically important role. The Financial Crime Director position offers the chance to shape compliance strategy at the highest level whilst working with cutting-edge technology and talented teams

Applicants must be located and eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship

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