MLRO, UK

We are seeking an experienced and driven MLRO to lead the financial crime compliance programmes across Payward Ltd (PWL) and Payward Services Ltd (PSL), two FCA-regulated UK entities within the Kraken Group. This is a senior role with end-to-end responsibility for the effectiveness of the firms’ anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and sanctions controls.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of financial crime risk management. This includes maintaining a robust control framework, advising on risk treatment across products and clients, and overseeing the operation and continuous improvement of transaction monitoring and sanctions screening systems.

The opportunity

• Oversight of the AML/CTF and sanctions compliance frameworks across PWL and PSL

• Develop, implement and maintain the firm’s AML/CTF policies, controls and procedures, ensuring that any global policies, controls and procedures meet UK regulatory requirements

• Oversight of transaction monitoring, internal SAR and external SAR/DAML reporting

• Oversight of CDD, EDD, enhanced monitoring and sanctions screening processes for the UK

• Approve all new high risk client relationships and all periodic review outcomes of existing HRCs

• Maintain and regularly update the firms’ business-wide financial crime risk assessments

• Provide expert advice on AML and sanctions compliance across the customer lifecycle, including onboarding, periodic review, and investigations

• Coordinate internal assurance activity and support external audits and regulatory reviews of the financial crime framework

• Deliver training and awareness programmes to ensure staff understand their financial crime responsibilities

• Prepare regular reporting and MI for senior management, risk committees, and the board

• Lead delivery of UK MLRO team monthly review of UK corporate clients

• Produce an annual MLRO report to the Board of Directors that assesses the overall AML/CTF framework and highlights emerging risks and improvements planned

• Review monthly compliance and AML MI in order to identify trends, issues and ensure appropriate mitigation / escalation to the Board where appropriate

• Attend relevant Committee meetings and Board meetings, support Executive decision making, escalate AML program related issues

• Lead on strategic AML framework initiatives/implementations (e.g. Travel Rule)

• Horizon scanning - monitor regulatory developments and ensure timely updates to internal policies and procedures

• Liaise with law enforcement and regulatory authorities as required:

  • Regular engagement with FCA supervisory team

  • PoC for NCA

  • Support LEAs with setting up accounts

What you bring

• Significant experience in AML/CTF and financial crime compliance within a regulated financial services firm

• Deep understanding of the UK Money Laundering Regulations, Proceeds of Crime Act, UK sanctions regime (OFSI), and relevant industry guidance (e.g. JMLSG)

• Proven track record of operating or overseeing transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence systems

• Skilled in translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable policy and operational controls

• Confident communicator, able to influence senior stakeholders and represent the firm in external engagements

• Proactive, detail-oriented, and resilient — with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage competing priorities

Nice to haves

• Significant experience in AML/CTF and financial crime compliance within a regulated cryptoasset, e-money, or payments firm

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