If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Charlie Watson via email cwatson@cerfinancial.co.uk or call on 0207 626 6065.

00344572

PROFILE:

Senior compliance and financial crime leader with over 20 years’ experience in UK financial services, including approved SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO) roles. Proven track record in leading compliance, financial crime, and data protection functions within complex regulatory environments.

Extensive expertise in FCA and PRA regulatory frameworks, AML/CTF/ABC/Fraud/FATCA, sanctions, conduct risk, and UK GDPR, with deep experience in engaging with regulators including FCA, PRA, NCA, and ICO. Recognised for building and embedding robust compliance and financial crime frameworks, aligning regulatory expectations with commercial strategy.

Broad expertise across corporate, investment, and retail banking, as well as brokerage and asset management, with deep knowledge of banking products including bonds, derivatives, trade finance, lending, correspondent banking, funds, deposits, and international remittances.

Trusted advisor to Boards and senior management, with significant experience in risk appetite design, regulatory change, and governance. Brings a pragmatic, hands-on leadership style with strong international experience across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

SKILLS:

• SMF16 Compliance Oversight & SMF17 MLRO Functions
• AML/CTF/ABC, Sanctions & Financial Crime Frameworks
• Regulatory Engagement (FCA, PRA, NCA, ICO)
• UK GDPR & Data Protection Governance (DPIA, DSAR, RoPA)
• Risk Appetite & Compliance Framework Design
• Compliance Monitoring & Assurance (CMP)
• Board & Committee Reporting
• Conduct Risk & Consumer Duty
• Cross-Border Compliance & High-Risk Jurisdictions

CAREER HISTORY:

January 2016 – January 2026

Banking

Head of Compliance & DMLRO (UK, HK and Tehran)

Commercial bank focusing on wholesale banking (corporate and institutional clients) with a small number of retail clients

(SMF16 + SMF17) held by another senior staff member however, I ran day to day responsibilities for Compliance and Financial Crime

A Certified Individual with Significant Management Responsibility. A member of the Board Management Committee, Nominated Officer, Deputy MLRO and Deputy Data Controller and an invitee to the Audit Committee

• Led the design and implementation of the Bank’s Compliance and Financial Crime Framework, including AML/CTF/ABC/Fraud, sanctions, and conduct risk.
• Performed de facto MLRO responsibilities, including SAR review and submission to the NCA, oversight of transaction monitoring, and financial crime risk assessments.
• Acted as primary liaison with FCA, PRA, NCA, HMT, FSCS, ICO, managing regulatory inspections, submissions, and remediation.
• Established and maintained a risk-based Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP).
• Developed and maintained the Compliance Risk Appetite Statement in collaboration with risk function and senior management.
• Provided strategic regulatory advice to Board and Executive Committee on business initiatives and regulatory developments, including privacy risks associated with new products and initiatives.
• Built and oversaw data protection framework, including policy governance, breach reporting, DSAR, and regulatory liaison (ICO).
• Led regulatory horizon scanning and implementation of evolving UK and international regulatory requirements.
• Delivered Board-level MI and reports, including compliance breaches, financial crime risks, and remediation actions.
• Oversight of the conduct risk framework including (but not limited to) Consumer Duty, Conflict of Interest, Complaints Handling, MARS, and SMCR.
• Oversight responsibility of CASS compliance and complaints handling
• Managed regulatory reporting obligations, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to UK regulators.
• Led management of internal and external audit process of compliance function and ensuring audit points were tracked and closed within the agreed timeframe.
• Built and led an international compliance team and drive performance.

Key achievements

• Built full compliance framework post-sanctions, enabling safe re-entry into international banking community.
• Implemented AML and screening systems improving financial crime detection and efficiency.

November 2013 - January 2016

Financial Services

Head of Compliance & MLRO (CF10/CF11), now SMF16/SMF17

Investment banking, with corporate and financial intuitional clients, primarily in Equity sales, equity trading, brokerage, research distribution, corporate finance and advisory services.

• Held SMF16/SMF17 responsibilities, ensuring full compliance with FCA regulatory requirements.
• Led regulatory engagement, including FCA visits, permissions changes and ongoing supervision.
• Developed and maintained compliance policies, governance frameworks and monitoring programmes.
• Provided strategic advice to Board and senior management on regulatory developments and business expansion.
• Oversaw market abuse controls, transaction reporting, dealing errors, incident reporting and conduct risk frameworks.
• Managed compliance oversight of first line activities and supported business functions with pragmatic regulatory guidance.
• Ensured ICAAP was produced, appropriately challenged/reviewed and approved by the Board.
• Oversaw internal and external audit process of compliance function.
• Designed and provided appropriate compliance training to promote compliance culture.
• Collaborated with group international compliance teams and led a small UK compliance team to drive performance

Key achievements: contributed to the cost-cutting programme of CIMB and improved efficiency and effectiveness of the Compliance function.

November 2013 - December 2014

Banking

Head of Compliance and MLRO (CF10/CF11), Now SMF16/SMF17

(International Banking/Treasury/DCM/Corporate Banking/Deposit taking/Trade Finance/Remittance Advice, part of CIMB Group)

A member of Risk Management Committee

• Ensured compliance with UK and international regulatory requirements.
• Developed compliance monitoring frameworks and financial crime controls.
• Acted as a key liaison with regulators and Group Compliance and managed regulatory onsite visits and subsequent remediation plan.
• Supported product development through regulatory advisory.
• Acted as a final approval of new client onboarding and continuation of existing client relationships.
• Oversaw regulatory scanning to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
• Oversaw ILAA production and approval
• Designed and provided compliance training to staff at all levels
• Led a small Compliance team

EARLIER CAREER:

May 2012 - July2013

Investment Management Firm

Compliance & Finance Manager

Managing investment funds for pension professionals, asset managers and other institutional investors.

• Advised senior management on the impact of regulatory changes on business models and supported the implementation of new regulatory requirements across key areas, including capital, solvency, liquidity, and RDR
• Partnered with the business development team to review and advise on new initiatives, including Trustee Investment Plans and reinsurance contracts
• Led AML and regulatory due diligence processes for the onboarding of all new clients (both professional and retail)
• Reviewed and approved, where appropriate, all marketing and promotional materials, as well as new funds prior to launch on the ISL investment platform
• Developed and maintained the annual compliance plan and compliance monitoring programme, and updated compliance policies and procedures
• Managed conflicts of interest, disputes, and complaints in line with regulatory requirements
• Promoted a strong compliance culture and delivered training to staff at all levels
• Management of a team of two staff

February 2012 - April 2012

Professional Services

Interim Consultant for GT’S financial services sector clients

June 2011 – January 2012

Childcare

• World Gold Council, a gold and gold related products (ETF etc) development and investment company

October 2008 - May 2011

Investment Banking

Finance Manager/Controller, UK, EU & USA

The Bank is an investment bank who specialise in debt capital markets, derivatives, trade finance and treasury activities

March 2001 – October 2007

Chief Accountant, Compliance Officer (CF10 and CF13), now SMF16/SMF2

Member of the Senior Management & Risk Committee

• Oversaw the compliance function of KDB London Branch, ensuring adherence to all UK legal and regulatory obligations
• Advised senior management on regulatory requirements and ongoing developments, contributing to strategic planning
• Oversaw front office investment and trading activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations
• Managed relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including the Bank of England, the Financial Services Authority, HMRC, HM Treasury, front office, middle office, and internal/external auditors
• Maintained and updated compliance policies and procedures, and provided assurance through an effective compliance monitoring programme
• Worked in collaboration with the MLRO to ensure compliance with AML, CFT, and anti-bribery and corruption legislation
• Led regulatory engagement, including coordinating FSA onsite visits and ensuring the timely and accurate submission of all regulatory reports
• Led a team of three staff

EDUCATION:

• UK Chartered Certified Accountant
• Bachelor Degree in Medical Science
• Leadership Certificate
• MIFID Transaction Reporting Certificate
• Cambridge First Certificate in English (scholarship award)

LANGUAGES:

• English, Mandarin, Cantonese

References Available Upon Request

If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Charlie Watson via email cwatson@cerfinancial.co.uk or call on 0207 626 6065.

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