Chief Risk & Compliance Officer

We are currently recruiting for a Chief Risk & Compliance Officer (CRCO) to join a fast-growing, FCA-regulated financial services business operating within the payments and FX sector. Reporting directly to the CEO and forming part of the Executive Leadership Team, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an ambitious organisation with significant growth plans both in the UK and internationally.

This is not a traditional compliance leadership role. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a major regulatory programme, building and enhancing the risk and compliance framework, and ensuring the business is positioned for scalable, sustainable growth. You will lead a team of six whilst acting as a trusted advisor to the Board and Executive Team on all matters relating to risk, governance and regulation.

This role would suit an experienced risk and compliance executive who combines strong regulatory expertise with commercial acumen and a genuine passion for building high-performing teams and operating models.

Key Responsibilities

Lead a significant regulatory authorisation programme and manage regulatory engagement throughout the process. Act as the principal regulatory advisor to the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team. Develop and embed a robust enterprise risk management framework across the organisation. Provide oversight of AML, financial crime, sanctions, KYC, Consumer Duty, safeguarding and regulatory reporting activities. Drive the development of scalable governance, risk and compliance infrastructure. Lead and develop a high-performing Risk & Compliance team. Maintain strong relationships with regulators, banking partners, auditors and external stakeholders. Support future regulatory, licensing and international expansion initiatives. Deliver high-quality Board reporting, management information and governance oversight. Promote a culture of compliance, accountability and effective risk management throughout the business.Who We Are Looking For:

Significant experience within senior Risk & Compliance positions in FCA-regulated financial services environments. Executive-level leadership experience gained within payments, electronic money, FX, banking or fintech sectors. Current or previous SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) approval. SMF17 (MLRO) approval would be highly advantageous. Proven experience securing FCA authorisations, licence variations or leading major regulatory change programmes. Strong understanding of Payment Services Regulations, safeguarding, Consumer Duty, operational resilience and enterprise risk management. Demonstrable experience building, transforming and leading Risk & Compliance functions. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively at Board level. Commercially minded with the ability to balance regulatory requirements with business growth objectives.On Offer:

Highly competitive executive salary and package Participation in an employee share scheme Executive Leadership Team position reporting directly to the CEO Opportunity to lead a significant regulatory transformation programme Hybrid working with a Central London office location The chance to play a key role in shaping the future growth of a dynamic and ambitious financial services businessIf you have the leadership experience, regulatory expertise and ambition to make a significant impact, then what are you waiting for... click apply to find out more