Compliance Officer & MLRO

Onafriq•London, ON

81d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Compliance Officer & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to join the Group's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) division. This is an in-country delivery role, working day-to-day under the supervision and guidance of the Group Director of Compliance & Group MLRO. You will hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO) responsibilities for Onafriq UK Limited, the Group's principal UK operating subsidiary. Your focus will be on fulfilling regulatory obligations, maintaining robust compliance processes, and supporting the Group Director in managing the FCA relationship — rather than setting group-wide strategy. This is an excellent opportunity for a compliance professional who is ready to step into their first or early MLRO appointment in a regulated payment institution, with the benefit of senior oversight and a collaborative GRC team around them. The role is based in London. The successful candidate will be subject to FCA approval as an SMF holder.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in a compliance, financial crime, or AML role within a regulated financial institution.
Experience working within an FCA-regulated firm — ideally an EMI, payment institution, or fintech.
Experience as a Deputy MLRO, or a strong readiness to step into an MLRO role for the first time.
Working knowledge of the FCA Handbook, Money Laundering Regulations, Payment Services Regulations, and Electronic Money Regulations.
Familiarity with SAR submissions, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Good analytical skills and attention to detail.
A pragmatic, risk-based approach to compliance.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in or with emerging markets, including Africa, is an advantage but not required.
A reliable and diligent professional who takes ownership of their responsibilities.
A confident communicator who can engage clearly with colleagues, management, and regulators.
Comfortable working under supervision and escalating issues appropriately.
Organised and able to manage multiple work streams to a high standard.
Collaborative and able to work closely with a wider GRC team.
Adaptable and comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced fintech environment.

Responsibilities

Support the maintenance and operation of the firm's compliance framework in line with FCA requirements.
Ensure day-to-day adherence to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Payment Services Regulations 2017, and FCA Handbook (SYSC, PRIN, DISP, Consumer Duty).
Monitor regulatory developments and flag relevant changes to the Group Director of Compliance.
Assist with regulatory reporting and timely submissions to the FCA under the direction of the Group Director.
Provide first-line compliance guidance to business teams on regulatory matters.
Act as the firm's in-country MLRO under the oversight of the Group Director of Compliance & Group MLRO.
Manage Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and submissions to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).
Maintain the firm's AML/CTF framework in accordance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, POCA 2002, and the Terrorism Act 2000.
Oversee transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence processes.
Conduct financial crime risk assessments and escalate material issues appropriately.
Maintain and update compliance policies and procedures, including AML/CTF policies, the Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP), and conduct risk policies.
Carry out periodic compliance monitoring and testing activities.
Support internal investigations relating to compliance breaches.
Prepare compliance and financial crime reports for the local Board and Group BARC, with Group Director sign-off.
Act as a point of contact for day-to-day FCA interactions, escalating material matters to the Group Director.
Support supervisory reviews, information requests, and regulatory inspections.
Assist with the implementation of regulatory change.
Maintain SMCR responsibilities and up-to-date documentation.
Ensure staff receive appropriate compliance and AML training.
Promote a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the UK business.