UK Head of Compliance and MLRO

ctrl-alt.co; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - GBP 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing fintech company in London is seeking an experienced Compliance Officer to manage the UK authorisation process and build a compliance framework. As the Compliance Officer, you will oversee regulatory obligations, manage compliance risk and ensure adherence to legislation. This role demands strong knowledge of UK compliance standards, AML/CTF, and good communication skills. The company offers competitive salaries, stock options, and modern workspaces, supporting growth in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Generous stock options

Premium private healthcare

26 days of annual leave plus birthday off

Enhanced parental leave policy

Qualifications

• 5 - 7 years of experience working in a regulated firm in a senior Compliance role.
• Strong understanding of UK AML/CTF/FS regulatory landscape.
• Experience engaging with the FCA or the Bank of England.

Responsibilities

• Lead application process for FCA authorisation and engagement.
• Manage regulatory reporting obligations and compliance culture.
• Oversee and direct monitoring of compliance standards.

Skills

UK compliance standards

AML/CTF knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Regulatory reporting

Risk management

Education

5-7 years in a regulated firm in a senior Compliance role

Job description

Overview

Ctrl Alt is designing and operating the on-chain infrastructure powering digital capital markets globally. We bring together a unique blend of expertise in financial markets and cutting-edge in-house technology to deliver tailored, compliant solutions in the alternative assets space. Since launching in 2022, we’ve tokenized over $850m in assets across real estate, private credit, funds, litigation finance and more. We’re building a high-performance, people-first culture where ambitious individuals can thrive. We move fast, think big and hold ourselves to a high bar, while keeping things collaborative, open and genuinely fun. At Ctrl Alt ideas win on merit, teams work closely with leadership, and everyone has a voice in shaping what we build next. We believe that hard work should come with real reward. You won’t just join a company - you’ll help build one. Last year alone, we grew from 17 to 50 people, and this year we’re going faster and further. That means real responsibility, meaningful impact, and the opportunity to grow alongside a company that’s redefining the future of finance through the tokenization of alternative assets. If you’re excited by scale-up energy, ownership, and the chance to help shape both a business and a culture, Ctrl Alt is where you can do the most rewarding work of your career.

What’s Involved

To support the buildout of its activities within the UK, Ctrl Alt is seeking an organised and experienced Compliance professional who will assume the SMF 16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF 17 (Money Laundering and Reporting Officer).

As Ctrl Alt’s Compliance Officer, you will help manage the UK authorisation process and its activities within the Bank of England and FCA’s Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS). You will play a critical role in designing and implementing the compliance framework for Ctrl Alt’s alternative assets business.

Reporting directly to the CEO of the UK entity, the execution of the day-to-day SMF responsibilities, and working closely with the C-suite, you will be responsible for driving the compliance culture, overseeing regulatory obligations, and ensuring adherence to applicable legislation and group policies.

Duties will include, but not be limited to:

• DSS Activities: Leading Ctrl Alt through the application process of Gate 2 to enable the firm to test tokenization structures within the Sandbox;
• FCA Authorisation: Leading Ctrl Alt’s MiFID authorisation process by being the primary contact for the FCA and where required, outside counsel. You will be responsible for engaging relevant stakeholders through the FCA authorisation process, preparing the required application and associated policies, procedures and other required documents; and responding to follow-up questions from the FCA;
• AML Framework: Build, implement and manage Ctrl Alt’s AML program and partnering with the business to ensure compliance efforts are integrated;
• Regulator Interactions: Manage Ctrl Alt’s regulatory reporting obligations with the FCA;
• AML/CTF: Ensure that all Know Your Customer, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing requirements are met and that reasonably designed counterparty onboarding programs are in place;
• Policy Development and Training: Develop and maintain policies and procedures compliant with UK regulatory standards. Design and deliver ongoing training to Ctrl Alt’s staff;
• Management Reporting: Prepare and deliver periodic reporting to management and Ctrl Alt’s Board of Directors;
• Monitoring / Testing: Overseeing and direct monitoring and testing of policies and processes to ensure regulatory standards are being met;
• Risk Management: Manage the business continuity framework to ensure operational resilience; and
• Provide oversight of onboarding third parties and ensure regulatory reporting requirements to the FCA are met. Manage other conduct and compliance risks.

Requirements

Must Haves

• 5 - 7 years working in a regulated firm in a senior Compliance role or MLRO role; MiFID experience is considered an advantage;
• Significant experience in all aspects of UK compliance standards, AML/CTF/FS including customer onboarding, KYC refresh, customer risk assessments, business wide risk assessments, screening, transaction monitoring, suspicious transaction reporting etc;
• An understanding of the UK AML/CFT/FS regulatory landscape;
• Prior experience engaging with the FCA and/ or the Bank of England;
• Good knowledge and understanding of UK AML/CTF/FS requirements;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
• Has the ability to operate with a limited level of direct supervision;
• Able to demonstrate the ability to lead a compliance function and be a force for good within the firm's culture;
• Able to adapt to the demands of a fast paced innovative firm and being comfortable with dealing with new technical areas

Nice to Haves

• Previous experience as an approved SMF
• Familiarity with global regulatory frameworks

Join a scaling fintech building the next generation of investment banking. You’ll work at the intersection of capital markets and cutting-edge blockchain technology, helping drive and shape the future of financial infrastructure.

What it’s like working at Ctrl Alt

Build and own the future of finance - Take real responsibility in shaping digital capital markets, with the autonomy to lead decisions and drive impact.

Solve meaningful problems with exceptional people - Tackle complex challenges at the intersection of finance and technology alongside leaders with experience from Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, UBS, and Revolut.

Grow fast in a high-performance environment - Stretch beyond your comfort zone through close collaboration, rapid feedback, and continuous learning.

Innovate and make your mark - Bring bold ideas to life and influence our platform, products, and how we operate from day one.

How we support you

• Competitive salaries with regular reviews that reflect your impact, performance, and progression.
• Generous stock options so you directly share in the company’s growth and long-term success.
• Premium private healthcare to support your physical wellbeing.
• 26 days of annual leave, plus your birthday off, and regional bank holidays
• An enhanced parental leave policy to support you and your family at every stage.
• A MacBook, screens, and any additional equipment you need to perform at a high level.
• Access to salary sacrifice schemes covering childcare, groceries, EV cars, tech, pensions, bikes, and subscriptions.
• Modern, centrally located offices in London, Belfast, Dundalk, and Dubai - designed for collaboration and focus.
• An annual learning and personal development budget for training, exams, certifications, and qualifications - whatever helps you move forward.

How to Apply

Simply hit apply below, where you will be redirected to a form to fill out all relevant details. You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter. Interview Process: