Head Of Compliance & MLRO (Fintech)

TL;DR

Head of Compliance & MLRO (Fintech): Overseeing the strategic regulatory framework and AML functions for a UK-regulated investment firm with an accent on FCA standards and pension product expansion. Focus on managing SMF 16/17 functions, building high-performing compliance teams, and ensuring regulatory excellence in a high-growth fintech environment.

Location: Must be based in London for a hybrid role or remotely within Europe.

Company

hirify.global is a European fintech infrastructure provider enabling businesses to offer investment products through a proprietary Investment API.

What you will do

• Hold SMF 16 and SMF 17 functions as the primary UK regulatory lead and main FCA contact.
• Lead the regulatory workstream for the UK SIPP launch, ensuring compliance with tax and FCA requirements.
• Oversee financial crime prevention, including AML, fraud, bribery, and sanctions risk management.
• Partner with Product and Engineering teams to integrate compliance into automated workflows and new investment products.
• Translate complex UK regulatory developments into actionable strategic insights for the Board and Management.
• Develop and manage a high-performing compliance function fostering technical excellence and proactive risk mitigation.

Requirements

• 7+ years of compliance and AML experience within a UK-regulated investment firm, wealth manager, or brokerage.
• Direct experience holding or readiness to hold SMF 16/17 status.
• Proven expertise in the UK wealth/investments landscape and FCA rules (COBS, Consumer Duty).
• Strong experience with SIPPs/Pensions.
• Strategic leadership ability to scale compliance in a high-growth fintech environment.
• Pragmatic commercial problem-solving skills applied to B2B business models.

Nice to have

• Legal background (lawyer or significant legal experience).

Culture & Benefits

• 30 days of annual leave plus sports benefits and professional coaching.
• Flexible remote work policy with the ability to work remotely abroad for up to 183 days per year.
• Personal development budget for continuous learning.
• One-month fully paid sabbatical (UpRest) after every 4 years of service.
• Inclusive culture supported by Employee Resource Groups like Upfem and UpVergent.