Head of Compliance – UK (UK Remote)

*** Must have held a Head of Compliance position with an EMI firm in the UK to be considered for this role ***

THE COMPANY:

We are a leading UK recruitment specialist working on behalf of a fast-growing Electronic Money Institution (EMI) that is revolutionising how corporate clients move, spend, and manage money internationally — with low fees, maximum ease, and full speed.

The business specialises in seamless cross-border payments and innovative financial services tailored exclusively for corporate clients.

Role Overview:

As Head of Compliance (London-based), you will lead the international compliance function for the EMI and its associated investment firm activities. This strategic leadership role focuses on enhancing and maintaining robust compliance frameworks and controls to ensure full adherence to UK regulations while enabling compliant business growth in a dynamic fintech environment.

You will provide expert regulatory advice, deliver objective challenge, and serve as the primary liaison with the FCA to support scalable, compliant operations.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a team of compliance specialists advising on UK regulatory requirements for payments and investment activities (including PSR, EMR, MiFID/IFPR, and relevant FCA Handbook sections).
• Own and evolve the UK Compliance Oversight Programme, policies, frameworks, and documentation to support current and new products (including investment offerings).
• Develop effective monitoring systems for regulatory risk, compliance, and internal policies.
• Strengthen the control environment with clear, auditable processes.
• Build and maintain strong, proactive relationships with the FCA through reporting, responses to information requests, and communication on product changes/notifiable events.
• Lead regulatory audits and inspections, acting as the main point of contact and subject-matter expert.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to embed regulatory requirements, educate colleagues, and implement risk-based, well-documented processes.
• Produce actionable management information (MI) to enable informed leadership and board decisions.
• Foster a strong compliance culture and adapt priorities to support evolving business needs.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

• Deep exposure to a high-growth EMI serving corporate clients.
• Opportunity to shape compliance strategy and influence product roadmap through regulatory horizon-scanning.
• A role at the centre of an innovative, mission-driven fintech organisation.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Strong expertise in UK financial regulation for payments and/or investment firms, with hands-on experience engaging with the FCA.
• Proven compliance leadership or advisory background, including designing and challenging processes across multiple products.
• Passionate about process improvement, problem-solving under pressure, and delivering with urgency.
• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder internally and externally.
• Excited by the challenges and opportunities of a scaling fintech/EMI focused on making international money movement easier and more affordable for corporate clients.
• Willing to travel occasionally to support business objectives.

For further information please contact Spencer Evans