Fractional Financial Crime Compliance Officer & Named MLRO (UK Based)

​We are an agile FinTech firm preparing to submit an application to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for registration as a Small Payment Institution (SPI) executing Payment Service 6 (Money Remittance). ​We are seeking a highly capable, driven Financial Crime Compliance professional to join us as our named Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). ​Because the founders have already drafted the core operational, AML, and Flow of Funds procedural manuals, the scope of this initial engagement is strictly focused on regulatory review, calibration, and submission. This project is perfectly suited for a senior compliance analyst, consultant, or deputy MLRO looking to secure their first formal "Named MLRO" title with an ambitious startup. Full details regarding our corporate structure and product set will be shared directly with shortlisted individuals during the interview phase. ​Scope of Work & Key Responsibilities (The "Review & Submit" Phase): ​Over the initial 2-month period, your 20-hour allocation will be strategically deployed across the following priorities: - ​Policy Review & Optimization: Reviewing and refining our pre-drafted Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) manuals to ensure absolute alignment with current UK statutory requirements and JMLSG guidance. - ​FCA Application Validation: Reviewing the financial crime components of our SPI application templates and acting as our named MLRO applicant for the upcoming submission. ​Risk Framework Stress-Testing: Stress-testing the firm’s baseline Business Risk Assessment across our proposed B2C corridors and target customer segments. ​- Systems Calibration Consultation: Briefing our technical leadership team on the precise calibration of real-time transaction monitoring logic and screening rules (Sanctions, PEPs) within our AWS cloud environment. ​- Onboarding Alignment: Validating our proposed Know Your Customer (KYC) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) workflows to ensure they meet regulatory expectations. ​Candidate Requirements & Experience: ​To satisfy the FCA's requirements for a PSD Individual, we value practical capability and regulatory exposure over specific corporate training badges: ​- Location: Must be permanently resident in the United Kingdom (mandatory regulatory requirement for UK mind and management). - ​Experience Profile: A strong background operating within a regulated UK financial services environment. We actively welcome applications from experienced Senior Compliance Analysts, Compliance Managers, or Deputy MLROs who have the technical capability and are ready to take accountability for a framework. ​- Sector Familiarity: Direct experience or a deep understanding of the payments sector (SPI, API, or EMI), including the mechanics of money remittance. - ​NCA Process Knowledge: Practical knowledge of drafting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and managing Defence Against Money Laundering (DAML) requests via the National Crime Agency portal. - ​Pragmatic Approach: Comfortable working with an entrepreneurial founding team that utilizes automated systems to streamline compliance workflows. ​Project Timeline & Remuneration: ​- Phase 1 (Pre-Submission): 20 hours capped over 2 months at £50/hr to audit the documentation and finalize the FCA submission. ​- Phase 2 (Under Review): An optional, ad-hoc hourly arrangement to handle potential FCA Requests for Information (RFIs) while the application is processed. ​- Phase 3 (Post-Go-Live): First refusal for the permanent, fractional operational MLRO role for the firm as transaction volumes scale in 2027.