Deputy Head of Financial Crime

Pleo

. Oversee day-to-day financial crime reports, disclosures, risk assessment sign-offs, and regulatory outputs .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in financial crime compliance, including AML, CTF, and Fraud frameworks, while effectively leading teams and managing complex remediation projects. Proven ability to engage with regulatory bodies and optimize operational processes through strong analytical skills.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AML FrameworksFinancial Crime ComplianceTeam ManagementRegulatory EngagementAnalytical Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Financial Crime ReportingRisk AssessmentRegulatory OutputsControl EnhancementsRoot-Cause AnalysisKPI TrackingRemediation ProjectsOperational Process OptimizationMulti-Workstream ManagementRegulatory Look-Backs

Soft Skills

CoachingLeadershipCollaborationEmpowermentResource Planning

Industry Keywords

Financial ServicesFintechRegulated Payment Institutions1LOD EnvironmentSanctionsABCFraudExternal AuditorsExecutive CommitteesBoard Meetings

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee day-to-day financial crime reports, disclosures, risk assessment sign-offs, and regulatory outputs
Monitor metrics and KPIs to address emerging risks and operational bottlenecks
Lead financial crime remediation programs, regulatory look-backs, control enhancements, and technology integrations from scoping through execution and root-cause analysis
Deputize for the Associate Director of Financial Crime Operations during absences
Represent the function at executive committees, board meetings, and regulatory engagements
Directly lead, coach, and empower the FinCrime Operations team
Drive resource planning, talent development, and a high-performing, accountable culture
Collaborate with Risk, Legal, Operations, Product, business units, external auditors, regulators, and wider organisational teams
Improve financial crime detection systems and workflow processes
Support sustainable growth of Pleo’s business spend management platform

Requirements

What you’ll need

Comprehensive knowledge of AML, CTF, Sanctions, ABC, and Fraud frameworks within a 1LOD environment
Proven experience in direct team management, coaching, resource allocation, and advising senior stakeholders and boards
Hands-on experience leading multi-workstream remediation projects, regulatory look-backs, and complex control improvements
Strong understanding of evolving regulatory landscapes
Experience engaging directly with regulatory bodies and external auditors
Strong analytical mindset for identifying root causes, tracking KPIs, and optimizing operational processes
Background in Financial Services, Fintech, or regulated payment institutions
At least 8+ years in financial crime/compliance
At least 3+ years in a formal leadership role
Valid right to work in the selected country
Application must be submitted in English
English proficiency required for the company language and role
No visa sponsorship available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Your own Pleo card
Catered meals or a lunch allowance for work days
Comprehensive private healthcare, with coverage options depending on location
25 days of holiday plus public holidays
Hybrid and fully remote working options
Free mental health and well-being support through MyndUp
Paid parental leave
Professional development and career growth opportunities
Opportunity to lead bigger projects, step into leadership, and acquire new fintech risk governance skills