Head of Compliance

ABOUT THE ROLE Our client is looking for a senior Head of Compliance to build and lead the compliance function from the ground up within a fast-growing UK fintech. This is a leadership position reporting directly to the CEO and the Management Board. The role carries full ownership of FCA authorization as an Electronic Money Institution and responsibility for maintaining ongoing regulatory compliance across the business. ABOUT THE CLIENT Our client is a UK-based Electronic Money Institution (EMI) operating as a Principal Member of Visa and Mastercard. The company provides regulated payment and acquiring services to merchants, combining strong scheme relationships with a scalable fintech infrastructure. As a growing player in the UK payments market, the business is focused on building a robust compliance-led operating model aligned with FCA expectations and international card scheme standards. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Regulatory Oversight & Compliance Framework Design, implement, and maintain the full compliance framework required for FCA EMI authorization and ongoing supervision Monitor regulatory developments (FCA, EBA, PSR, HM Treasury) and conduct regulatory impact and gap analyses Ensure continuous compliance with EMR 2011, PSR 2017, MLR 2017, the FCA Handbook, and other applicable UK/EU regulatory requirements Risk Management Establish and oversee the compliance risk management framework and internal control environment Perform regular compliance risk assessments, testing, reviews, and internal audits Maintain comprehensive documentation and records in line with FCA expectations Work closely with Risk, Legal, Operations, Product, and AML/CFT teams to align enterprise-wide risk and compliance activities Reporting & Regulatory Communication Act as the primary contact for the FCA, NCA, external auditors, and other supervisory bodies Prepare and submit all required regulatory reports, including EMI returns, transaction reporting, complaints reporting, capital adequacy, and safeguarding reports Coordinate regulatory reporting with external consultants, legal advisors, and outsourcing partners Escalate significant compliance breaches, suspicious activity, or control failures to the Management Board Policy Ownership & Maintenance Own, approve, and regularly review all compliance-related policies, including Compliance Manual, AML/CTF Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Complaints Policy, Outsourcing Policy, and Conflicts of Interest Ensure policies remain fully aligned with regulatory expectations and are embedded across the business Additional Responsibilities Review and approve key internal documents such as policies, contracts, terms of service, and governance materials Participate in Management Board and committee meetings (Risk, Audit, Compliance Committees) Promote a strong compliance and ethics culture across the organization Design and deliver mandatory compliance, AML/CTF, and safeguarding training programs REQUIREMENTS 5+ years of compliance experience within UK EMI / PI / fintech environments Proven experience obtaining and/or maintaining FCA authorization as an EMI Strong knowledge of EMR 2011, PSR 2017, MLR 2017, FCA Handbook (SUP, SYSC, PRIN, FCG), safeguarding, and financial crime requirements Experience acting as the main FCA contact and managing supervisory relationships Strong policy drafting and governance skills, including independent preparation of regulatory submissions Fluent English and Russian (native or fully professional level) Experience working with external auditors, consultants, and outsourcing partners Legal education or extensive experience working closely with legal teams on EMI regulatory matters — strong advantage SOFT SKILLS Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable working with a high level of autonomy Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills Practical, solution-oriented mindset If you are ready to build a compliance function from zero and play a critical role in launching a regulated EMI, we would be glad to discuss this role with you.