Chief Risk & Compliance Officer

Chief Risk & Compliance OfficerWe 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 ResponsibilitiesLead a significant regulatory authorisation programme and manage regulatory engagement throughout the processAct as the principal regulatory advisor to the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership TeamDevelop and embed a robust enterprise risk management framework across the organisationProvide oversight of AML, financial crime, sanctions, KYC, Consumer Duty, safeguarding and regulatory reporting activitiesDrive the development of scalable governance, risk and compliance infrastructureLead and develop a high-performing Risk & Compliance teamMaintain strong relationships with regulators, banking partners, auditors and external stakeholdersSupport future regulatory, licensing and international expansion initiativesDeliver high-quality Board reporting, management information and governance oversightPromote a culture of compliance, accountability and effective risk management throughout the businessWho We Are Looking ForSignificant experience within senior Risk & Compliance positions in FCA-regulated financial services environmentsExecutive-level leadership experience gained within payments, electronic money, FX, banking or fintech sectorsCurrent or previous SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) approvalSMF17 (MLRO) approval would be highly advantageousProven experience securing FCA authorisations, licence variations or leading major regulatory change programmesStrong understanding of Payment Services Regulations, safeguarding, Consumer Duty, operational resilience and enterprise risk managementDemonstrable experience building, transforming and leading Risk & Compliance functionsStrong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively at Board levelCommercially minded with the ability to balance regulatory requirements with business growth objectivesOn OfferHighly competitive executive salary and packageParticipation in an employee share schemeExecutive Leadership Team position reporting directly to the CEOOpportunity to lead a significant regulatory transformation programmeHybrid working with a Central London office locationThe chance to play a key role in shaping the future growth of a dynamic and ambitious financial services business