MLRO & Data Protection Officer
Bristol (Hybrid) | Permanent | Full-Time
A growing business services organisation is seeking its first in-house MLRO & Data Protection Officer to take ownership of AML, financial crime, data protection and wider compliance activities across the business.
This is an opportunity to join a well-established company undergoing continued growth, where you’ll have significant autonomy and the chance to shape the compliance framework from the ground up. Previous experience within a Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) environment is essential.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to senior leadership, you’ll be responsible for overseeing AML governance, risk assessments, policies and procedures, quality assurance, regulatory engagement, data protection and wider compliance initiatives.
This is a strategic and hands-on role, ideal for someone who enjoys building frameworks, improving controls and acting as the senior compliance subject matter expert within a growing organisation.
Key Responsibilities
AML & Financial Crime
Act as the senior escalation point for complex, high-risk, EDD, PEP and sanctions matters
Oversee AML governance, policies, procedures and business-wide risk assessments
Lead regulatory engagement, audits and information requests
Monitor regulatory developments and ensure frameworks remain aligned with evolving requirements
Oversee quality assurance programmes, management information and risk reporting
Review customer risk methodologies and the effectiveness of AML controls
Support investigations and suspicious activity reporting processes
Deliver AML training and contribute to staff awareness and competency programmes
Data Protection
Own the UK GDPR framework, privacy policies and data retention programme
Manage data subject rights requests and breach investigations
Lead DPIAs and provide compliance input on new products, suppliers and business initiatives
Act as the key point of contact for data protection matters and regulatory engagement
Wider Compliance
Maintain compliance and risk registers
Support internal and external audits
Oversee third-party compliance due diligence
Produce management and board-level reporting
Drive continuous improvement across compliance, governance and risk management activities
About You
You’ll bring:
Previous AML compliance experience within a TCSP, corporate services, formation agent, registered office provider, trust company or similar environment
Experience as an MLRO, Deputy MLRO or Senior Compliance Manager
Strong knowledge of the UK Money Laundering Regulations, SARs regime, sanctions and financial crime controls
Experience assessing complex ownership structures, overseas entities and higher-risk customers
Working knowledge of UK GDPR and data protection requirements
Confidence drafting policies, reports and presenting to senior stakeholders
A pragmatic, commercial and risk-based approach to compliance
Desirable
ICA, ACAMS or CISI qualifications
Experience of regulatory inspections or supervisory reviews
ISO 27001 or broader audit experience
Experience with digital onboarding, screening and verification solutions
Leadership or mentoring experience
Why Join?
First dedicated in-house compliance leadership hire
Opportunity to shape and influence the compliance function
Broad remit covering AML, financial crime, data protection and governance
Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
Growing business with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
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