MLRO (SMF17) | International Bank (UK Branch) | London

Coopman Search and Selection is partnering with a UK Branch of a leading International Bank, searching for an MLRO (SMF17) in London.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for overseeing the bank’s UK financial crime framework, ensuring compliance with UK regulatory requirements and maintaining effective AML governance across the organisation. The successful candidate will act as the primary point of contact for regulators and governance committees on financial crime matters while promoting a strong culture of compliance and integrity across the business.

The role sits within the Compliance function and works closely with senior management and business leaders to ensure the bank operates within its legal and regulatory obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• SMF17 with overall responsibility for the bank’s financial crime framework and AML policies.
• Oversee the CDD and financial crime control environment, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective risk mitigation.
• Manage and assess SARs and submit disclosures to the relevant authorities where appropriate.
• Conduct the annual AML risk assessment and produce the MLRO report for senior management.
• Provide guidance to front office and operational teams on financial crime matters and regulatory expectations.
• Monitor regulatory developments and ensure internal policies and procedures remain aligned with UK requirements.
• Lead financial crime training and promote a strong compliance-first culture across the organisation.
• Engage with regulators, auditors, and external stakeholders on financial crime matters.
• Provide leadership within the Compliance function, mentoring team members and supporting governance initiatives.

Experience Required

• Prior experience as MLRO, Deputy MLRO, or Head of Financial Crime within a banking or financial services environment.
• Experience operating within the UK Senior Managers & Certification Regime, ideally having held SMF17 or an equivalent designation.
• Strong knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulation, sanctions, and financial crime compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with UK regulators (FCA/PRA) and managing regulatory engagement.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior management.

Interested in hearing more? Please email william.mccoppin@coopman.uk to organise a confidential discussion.

Coopman Search and Selection specialises in compliance, risk, accounting, and finance recruitment. We provide tailored retained, contingent, and interim solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients and candidates. As a proud Certified B Corporation™, we are committed to sustainable growth, balancing purpose and profit while prioritising positive social and environmental impacts for all stakeholders.