UK Chief Compliance Officer & MLRO

Who we are is what we do.

Deel and our family of growing companies are made up of global teams dedicated to helping businesses hire anyone, anywhere, easily. 

The team comprises over three thousand self-driven individuals spanning over 100 countries, and our unified yet diverse culture keeps us continually learning and innovating the platform and products for customers.

Companies should be able to hire the best talent anywhere in the world, so we are building the best platform to make that a reality. Our market-leading technology, expertise, and global team are crucial to the platform’s success. We deliver the best products and features in our space, enabling millions of jobs worldwide and connecting the global workforce with the best companies and opportunities.

Why should you be part of our success story?

A 30-mile hiring radius should no longer dictate how companies hire because exceptional talent lives everywhere. Deel sees a world without hiring borders and endless talent that pairs perfect candidates with great companies.

We offer global teams all the tools they need to hire, onboard, manage, pay, and scale at full speed. We aim to foster a diverse global economy by building a generational platform that seamlessly connects companies with talent worldwide.

After our successful Series D in 2021, we raised another $50M in 2023, doubling our valuation to $12B. There’s never been a more exciting time to join Deel — the international payroll and compliance market leader.

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Compliance Officer & MLRO (PSD individual - Compliance officer and MLRO) to join our UK team, reporting directly to the global deputy Chief Compliance Officer. The role will be based within a UK regulated authorised payment institution, while also playing a critical part in the wider global compliance function of the Deel group. This is a key critical role with executive responsibility for providing senior management with independent day-to-day compliance and AML advice to meet current and upcoming regulatory requirements, the chosen candidate will need to articulate and deliver a robust compliance plan for the organisation.

This role is ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented, and experienced compliance professional looking to make a significant contribution to a growing organisation while ensuring the highest standards of regulatory adherence.

Responsibilities:

• Own and drive the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of the organisation's AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) program, ensuring the organisation meets all FCA requirements.

• Act as a key point of contact for Regulators and industry bodies, represent the organization in regulatory discussions and industry forums

• Conduct regular reviews of internal compliance policies and procedures, updating them as necessary to reflect changes in the UK regulatory landscape, implement strategies to mitigate risks and required training.

• Prepare or oversee preparing and submitting regulatory reports and notifications to the FCA and other UK regulators.

• Provide advisory support to various business units on compliance-related matters, with a focus on payment services regulations.

• Act as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the UK entity and stay updated on UK financial crime legislation and ensure the organisation remains compliant with current AML/CTF requirements.

• Oversee the suspicious activity reporting to the relevant authorities and provide guidance to the FinCrime Compliance team on requirements.

• Collaborate with the global compliance team to ensure alignment of compliance policies and practices across all jurisdictions where the parent entity operates.

• Act as a point of contact for global compliance initiatives, ensuring that global standards are adhered to in the UK and vice versa.

• Contribute to global compliance risk assessments, audits, and projects, with a view to improving the global compliance framework.

• Provide training and guidance to global and regional teams on compliance-related matters, fostering a culture of compliance across the organisation.

• Oversee activities of outsourced functions

• Provide input on regulatory frameworks requirements, to include IT security requirements, operational resilience, Consumer Duty etc., assist in assessing and mitigating operational risks, ensuring that the business is adequately prepared for potential disruptions and regulatory changes in these areas.

• Ensure compliance with operational risk requirements, including regular testing and updates of operational resilience plans.

• Ensure the organisation complies with UK data protection laws (GDPR) and relevant international data privacy regulations.

• Assist in managing any data breach incidents in coordination with the UK DPO (Data Protection Officer) and global counterparts.

• Stay abreast of regulatory changes, compliance best practices, and relevant industry trends.

• Provide expert advice and guidance on compliance topics including but not limited to consumer protection, financial crime, sanctions, and ethical business practices.

• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management, Global Compliance Committee and the Board on key compliance issues, regulatory updates, and financial crime risks.

• Assist with the preparation and submission of required filings and communications to relevant regulatory bodies.

Qualifications - Key Skills & Competencies:

• Previous experience in the role required - 10+ years of experience with extensive leadership and strategic expertise - the ideal candidate will have previous functional experience across compliance topics, with a solid understanding of payment services regulations, financial crime prevention, anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks, IT security requirements, operational risk and resilience topics and data protection laws.

• In-depth understanding of the FCA regulatory framework, particularly related to payment services or e-money.

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business or relevant field, or equivalent work experience (Fintech/payments experience is highly regarded)

• Professional certificates/qualifications in compliance, AML/CFT, risk management, finance, and/or fintech or relevant certification such as CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE are nice to have but not required.

• Demonstrated success in managing Compliance for multinational organizations

• Flexible and able to change gears without getting frustrated. 

• Experience in building and motivating teams.

• Exposure to the process of acquiring new financial regulatory licenses. Strong understanding of regulatory agencies' processes and requirements for license applications, renewals, and compliance.

• Attention to detail, with the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, both independently and cross-functionally.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the capability to articulate legal and regulatory obligations to internal and external stakeholders.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal departments, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities to address issues and make sound judgments related to licensing matters.

• Strong ethical conduct and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Entrepreneurial drive with a can-do attitude

• A growth-mindset that enables creativity in thinking, robust analytical skills, an ability to deal with ambiguity, management of changing priorities, and consistency in learning from others.

Total Rewards

Our workforce deserves fair and competitive pay that meets them where they are. With scalable benefits, rewards, and perks, our total rewards programs reflect our commitment to inclusivity and access for all. 

Some things you’ll enjoy

• Provided computer equipment tailored to your role

• Stock grant opportunities dependent on your role, employment status and location

• Additional perks and benefits based on your employment status and country

• The flexibility of remote work, including WeWork access where available

At Deel, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of  race, religion, sex, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy or maternity or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Unless otherwise agreed, we will communicate with job applicants using Deel-specific emails, which include @deel.com and other acquired company emails like @payspace.com and @paygroup.com. You can view the most up-to-date job listings at Deel by visiting our careers page.

Deel is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects different abilities, backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, identities and perspectives.

Deel will provide accommodation on request throughout the recruitment, selection and assessment process for applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please inform our Talent Acquisition Team at recruiting@deel.com of the nature of the accommodation that you may require, to ensure your equal participation.