The opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Head of Operational Risk and Financial Crime to join us on the exciting and rewarding path we are taking here at Castle Trust Bank. We pride ourselves in being a fintech challenger bank, providing specialist property mortgages, retail finance lending and savings accounts to a variety of customers.

Joining our small but mighty Compliance team, you will manage our second line operational risk and financial crime team. You will oversee operational risk, data protection, and financial crime, ensuring high-quality compliance support across the bank’s business units and shared services.

In this role, you will provide effective second line of defence (2LOD) support for non-financial risks, with a focus on the newly created 1st line Financial Crime Operations team. You will also provide senior support to the Chief Compliance Officer in driving risk strategy and culture.

As the firm’s Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer (DMLRO), you will assist the Chief Compliance Officer in fulfilling the bank’s obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations. Additionally, you will help anticipate key regulatory changes and identify opportunities for process enhancements.

The role will be on a hybrid working arrangement, 3 days a week from our Basingstoke office and the rest of the week from home.

What we are looking for in you…

What is important to us is that you have a degree-level education (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and previous experience within a Compliance Advisory or Risk function. You should possess broad knowledge of financial regulation, particularly in relation to FCA handbooks such as MCOB, BCOBS, CONC, DISP, and Data Protection. You will have strong stakeholder management and communication skills are essential, as you will be working with people at all levels, including Senior Management and ExCo.

What is also important is that you are committed and self-motivated, able to work autonomously, and adapt within a changing environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to make complex topics simple, are crucial. You should be able to influence positive outcomes across various business lines and core functions, balancing regulatory and conduct risks with the needs of a commercial organisation while maintaining a clear level of independence and challenge.

What’s in it for you…

As well as a competitive salary, we offer an annual performance related bonus (up to 15% of base salary) based on individual and company performance. In addition, a generous contributory pension scheme through Hargreaves Lansdown, life assurance, 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top) with the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days (terms apply). In addition, you will receive an extra day paid annual leave for Volunteering.

Wellbeing is also high on our agenda, and we offer private healthcare through Bupa. In addition, all colleagues have free access to TELUS Health EAP to support their health and wellbeing. We also offer free eye test vouchers and discounted gym membership, and if that’s not enough, we also offer season ticket travel loans (if applicable).

Check out our careers page: https://www.castletrust.co.uk/careers/who-we-are