Compliance Officer – MLRO

Onafriq

Compliance Officer & MLRO ensuring regulatory compliance at Onafriq UK Limited. Supporting financial crime frameworks and engaging with FCA regulatory requirements in a dynamic fintech environment.

Posted 5/26/2026full-timeLondon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

3–5 years of experience in a compliance, financial crime, or AML role
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
Experience working in or with emerging markets, including Africa, is an advantage but not required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working
Unlimited leave policy
Competitive salary package
Performance bonuses
Investment in well-being and growth

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

compliance frameworkFCA requirementsElectronic Money Regulations 2011Payment Services Regulations 2017AML/CTF frameworkfinancial crime risk assessmentstransaction monitoringsanctions screeningcustomer due diligenceSAR submissions

Soft Skills

strong written communicationstrong verbal communicationanalytical skillsattention to detailpragmatic approachrisk-based approachfirst-line compliance guidancepromote compliance culture

Certifications

MLRO certificationAML certification