Fractional Head of Compliance & MLRO, Payments & Fintech

The Company is in need of a Fractional Head of Compliance and MLRO to play a pivotal role in its UK expansion and FCA authorisation process. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and embedding a robust financial crime, AML, and regulatory compliance framework, ensuring that the business meets FCA expectations for governance, AML/CTF controls, and ongoing compliance oversight. This role demands a strategic and hands-on approach, with key responsibilities including acting as MLRO during the FCA authorisation and UK market entry, developing compliance policies, and overseeing transaction monitoring, risk assessments, and suspicious activity reporting processes. The ideal candidate for this position will have a proven track record as an MLRO, Head of Compliance, or senior financial crime leader within fintech, payments, or financial services. Strong knowledge of FCA regulation and UK AML/CTF requirements is essential, as is experience in regulated payments or multi-jurisdictional environments. Familiarity with the FCA SM&CR regime, particularly SMF17 experience, and strong stakeholder management skills are also required. The role is suited to a hands-on, pragmatic individual who is comfortable working in a fractional or advisory capacity and can build scalable compliance operations that align with the company's growth and UK regulatory requirements.