Head of Financial Crime Risk - MLRO

We’re Atom bank

The bank that’s leading the fintech charge!

We’re not like the rest. We’re true innovators, and we’re redefining what a bank should be. Ours is a bank for today and the future, a mobile-first bank. Forget the stuffy branches, with Atom you can bank whenever, wherever, faster, and simpler.

Could you be the next innovator to join us?

What will your ‘typical’ day look like? Different that’s for sure…:

As the Head of Financial Crime Risk - MLRO (SMF17), you will hold a pivotal Senior Manager Function, leading Atom’s defence against illicit activities. This role will be instrumental in enhancing our financial crime framework, bringing a robust and resilient approach to the team with a particular focus on Money Laundering and Fraud. You’ll have the autonomy to make a significant impact, leveraging your experience to enhance our controls and strategy to a higher standard.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to take ownership of a critical Senior Manager Function and significantly enhance a core business defence. As a hands-on leader who can work through complex issues with a robust and resilient approach, you’ll be part of a team where your expertise will have a direct impact on our risk framework and regulatory standing.

What you’ll be doing:

• Senior Management Function (SMF17): Act as Atom’s designated Nominated Officer under the Money Laundering Regulations, responsible for receiving and assessing internal SARs and making external reports to agencies like the NCA. You will ensure ongoing fitness and propriety for the role and adhere to all relevant Conduct Rules as set out by the PRA and FCA.
• Framework Enhancement: Establish, develop, implement, and continuously monitor a robust financial crime control framework, with a specific focus on enhancing our approach to Money Laundering and fraud to protect both the bank and our customers.
• Oversight & Reporting: Provide independent oversight and challenge to ensure Atom’s compliance with all relevant UK and international legislation. You will be responsible for reporting on financial crime performance and escalating cases and issues to executive and board committees, including regular MLRO reports.
• Regulatory Liaison: Act as a key point of contact for direct regulatory engagement with the FCA and PRA concerning financial crime matters.
• Proactive Risk Management: Proactively assess and monitor financial crime risks from new products, services, and emerging typologies.

In addition to the responsibilities summarised above you are required to comply at all times with the Conduct Rules set out in the FCA Handbook and the PRA Rulebook.

What do we need from you?

• Direct experience as a Nominated Officer/MLRO, ideally at a smaller organisation.
• Substantial and demonstrable senior-level experience in financial crime prevention, detection, investigation, and AML within the retail financial services sector.
• In-depth knowledge of UK and international laws, regulations, and guidance related to financial crime, including POCA, terrorist financing, and sanctions.
• Proven experience in establishing and monitoring financial crime control frameworks.
• You must be able to work through complex issues and spearhead solutions to resolve regulatory concerns.
• Strong leadership qualities and influencing skills, with the confidence and diplomacy to deal with and challenge senior management and external parties.
• You must be resilient, tenacious, and able to manage competing priorities without compromising on quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences including Executive and Board level.

What you’ll get from us:

• Flexible hybrid working (monthly office attendance)
• 4-day work week
• Incredibly generous company pension scheme (maximum of 13% of Atom input – you can put in more)
• Annual bonus - performance related
• Annual car allowance of £8,000
• ‘All About Me’ fund: £200 per year to spend on personal development
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan & Life Insurance
• Electric Vehicle Scheme

PLEASE NOTE: You must have the legal right to work in the UK to apply for this role as Atom is unable to support Visa Applications/Sponsorship

Atom is an equal opportunities employer. We value you as an individual and therefore disregard race, religion/belief, gender, sexual orientation, maternity/pregnancy, age, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership and disability in any hiring decisions we make. Atom will always adhere to the Equality Act 2010.

All roles within Atom must adhere to the Conduct Rules as set out by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

As part of Atom bank’s commitment to the FCA’s Consumer Duty, Atom will, take all reasonable steps to avoid causing foreseeable harm to customers, take all reasonable steps to enable customers to pursue their financial objectives and act in good faith.