Compliance Manager / Deputy MLRO

ZEN.COM is a smart financial app designed for your everyday life - at home and on the go. We make payments, online shopping, and personal finance management fast, secure, and effortless. With ZEN, you can enjoy cashback on purchases, full control over your spending, and peace of mind thanks to purchase protection. A built-in multi-currency account lets you spend abroad or shop internationally with great exchange rates and no hidden fees.

We are looking for a Compliance Manager / Deputy MLRO 

Location: Hybrid, London

The Deputy MLRO supports the MLRO in maintaining an effective financial crime framework, ensuring the EMI complies with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (MLRs), Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), Terrorism Act 2000, Sanctions Regulations, and relevant FCA rules. The role provides second-line oversight, acts as deputy in the MLRO’s absence, and drives a culture of compliance across the business.

• Degree or equivalent level in a relevant subject.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the UK financial services industry – ideally within the payments sector, with a focus on AML/CTF compliance.
• At least one previous Deputy MLRO role held.
• Experience working in UK licenced an EMI firm preferred.
• Additional compliance qualifications preferred (e.g. International Compliance Association or ACAMS).
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Experienced in working collaboratively across different teams and departments.
• Good organisational skills and time management.
• Flexible mindset and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and assist in various compliance functions across the ZEN family as needed.
• Flexibility working across multiple projects and tasks in a fast-growth environment.
• Be a UK resident. 

• Act as a Compliance Manager and Deputy MLRO for ZEN UK as a FCA licenced EMI reporting to ZEN UK’s Head of Risk, Compliance and MLRO.
• Lead on all aspects of core compliance including AML/CTF/PF as well as sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption.
• Be well versed in UK regulations such as Consumer Duty.
• Maintain effective oversight over all financial crime processes, including outsourced processes.
• Ensure all applicable policies and procedures are in place, updated in line with legislative requirements and industry guidance and approved by Senior Management / Board as necessary.
• Assess new and existing customer relationships and update risk assessments as necessary.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a strong compliance culture.
• Enhance existing financial crime processes and controls and advise on the implementation of new controls that reflect changing business and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a robust business-wide risk assessment methodology and perform the Business Risk assessment on an at least annual basis, including an assessment of the effectiveness of controls.
• Conduct ad hoc internal reviews in operational areas in order to identify operational weaknesses and inadequate controls, which might give rise to financial loss or other operational risks. Propose/implement solutions to problems identified by management.
• Ensure prompt investigation of internal suspicious activity reports (SARs) and ensure the timely submission of external SARs.
• Help to maintain relationships with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other regulatory bodies as appropriate and promptly respond to any requests for information.
• Maintain relationships with law enforcement agencies and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.
• Help to submit regulatory reports to the FCA.
• Perform horizon scanning for new and upcoming changes to regulatory requirements impacting ZEN UK’s financial crime processes and report to internal governance forums.
• Help to ensure that ZEN UK meets all new regulatory requirements - including translating new regulations into understandable business requirements, working with other teams within the ZEN family to ensure delivery of any new requirements to ensure compliance.
• Help to report regularly to the senior management team and the Board on emerging compliance and AML issues, including an annual MLRO report to the 

• Opportunity to work in a rapidly growing FinTech company with a global reach.
• Work in an international environment with industry experts.
• Real impact on financial product development and regulatory strategy.
• Flexible work model – remote or hybrid, depending on preference.