Compliance Senior Specialist

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Compliance Specialist to join the UK MLRO Office at Wise. This is a second-line role that will play a crucial part in supporting the team in discharging Wise Payments Limited's Financial Crime related obligations under UK regulations. The successful candidate will be an instrumental member of the team in ensuring the effectiveness of our financial crime controls relevant to our regulated UK entities, driving continuous improvement, and providing expert advice across a broad range of financial crime matters, including fraud. Key Responsibilities: AML/CTF Oversight & Support: Support the Deputy MLRO and UK MLRO in the effective discharge of AML/CTF obligations, ensuring compliance with all relevant UK regulations. Lead on day-to-day financial crime risk management activities and manage internal escalations effectively. Oversee the implementation and assess the effectiveness of AML/CTF controls across all UK products and services. Supporting with horizon scanning and analysis of upcoming regulatory changes impacting Wise Payments Limited. Maintain strong oversight of AML risks and controls, including sample-testing of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Politically Exposed Person (PEP) approvals from the First Line of Defence (1LOD). Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement: Support the UK MLRO team in gathering and reviewing Management Information (MI), preparing and drafting board updates, and regulatory reports to support the regular reporting process. Broader Financial Crime Expertise: Apply strong knowledge of fraud prevention and detection, working collaboratively with first-line teams including our product compliance colleagues to enhance fraud controls. Work with the first line on ongoing reporting in relation to authorised push payment and reimbursement fraud (APPR). Proactively stay abreast of new regulatory requirements and industry best practices related to APPR and broader fraud prevention, providing expert input and translating these developments for internal implementation. Qualifications & Experience: Proven experience in a financial crime role within a regulated financial services environment in the UK, ideally financial technology. Solid understanding of UK AML/CTF regulations, including the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. Demonstrable experience in managing financial crime risks and implementing effective controls. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and produce clear, concise reports. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including senior management and regulators. Proactive and self-motivated with a strong attention to detail. For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive. We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences. Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers. If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit . Keep up to date with life at Wise by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram . Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money. Min fees. Max ease. Full speed. Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money. As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money. For everyone, everywhere. More about our mission and what we offer .