Chief Compliance Officer (SMF16 / SMF17)
Location: London (Hybrid)
Sector: FinTech / Payments / Crypto
Type: Permanent
Salary: £200,000-£250,000 Equity Benefits
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a high-growth, venture-backed fintech and payments business operating at the forefront of digital assets and next-generation payments infrastructure.
With rapid expansion across the UK and international markets, the business is now seeking a Chief Compliance Officer (SMF16 / SMF17) to take full ownership of compliance strategy and regulatory engagement.
The Role
This is a board-facing, SMF-level appointment, where you will lead the compliance function end-to-end, ensuring the business operates within FCA frameworks while enabling continued commercial growth.
You will play a critical role in shaping regulatory strategy across both payments and crypto products, building a scalable, forward-thinking compliance environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO) responsibilities
- Lead and evolve the firm's compliance and financial crime frameworks
- Act as the primary point of contact with the FCA and relevant global regulators
- Oversee AML, KYC, sanctions, and transaction monitoring controls
- Advise the Board and executive team on regulatory risk and compliance strategy
- Support product innovation and market expansion from a regulatory perspective
- Build and scale a high-performing compliance and financial crime team
What We're Looking For
- Currently hold or have previously held SMF16 and/or SMF17 within an FCA-regulated firm (essential)
- Strong experience within fintech, payments, and/or crypto / digital assets
- Deep understanding of FCA regulation, EMI/PI frameworks, and financial crime compliance
- Experience operating in a high-growth or scaling environment
- Commercially minded, with the ability to balance risk, regulation, and growth
- Credible senior stakeholder engagement experience, including Board-level interaction
Why Join?
- Senior leadership role with significant influence on business strategy
- Exposure to both regulated payments and crypto ecosystems
- Opportunity to build and shape compliance in a scaling business
- Competitive salary, equity participation, and strong benefits
- Hybrid working model based in London
Apply Now
If you are an experienced SMF16 / SMF17 leader looking to take on a high-impact role within a fast-moving fintech environment, we'd be keen to connect.
