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Director of Financial Crime Risk

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LHV BankLHV Bank Limited is a UK-licensed bank operating across three core business segments: Retail Banking, SME Lending, and Banking Services (BaaS). The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of LHV Group, a listed financial services provider headquartered in Estonia. LHV Bank operates under a full UK banking licence granted in May 2023. The Bank supports over 200 fintech clients with embedded financial infrastructure, provides retail savings products via digital channels, and offers SME credit solutions across the UK. In line with its regulatory responsibilities and growth ambitions, LHV Bank is committed to maintaining a robust and proportionate financial crime control environment.We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced

Director of Financial Crime Risk

to lead the development, implementation, and management of the bank’s AML, KYC, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) functions. This key 1LoD role will be responsible for managing the bank’s financial crime risk across UK business lines, including Banking Services and the developing Retail Banking function. The successful candidate will also collaborate closely with SME Lending and will drive the development of a robust Business Risk function while maintaining the highest standards of professional quality, collaboration, and internal satisfaction.

ResponsibilitiesLead the development and continuous improvement of the first line financial crime risk management processes, with a focus on maintaining compliance with relevant laws, rules and regulations as well as with internal policy requirements.

Support the growth of the Banking Services and Retail Banking Business Lines through developing and executing against an effective and scalable risk management strategy, finding creative solutions and implementing reasonable, risk-based measures to manage the financial crime risk within agreed tolerances.

Take strong ownership of the first line of defence in managing AML, KYC, and EDD risk functions across the bank, including both Banking Services and the newly launched retail bank.

Develop and oversee the execution of processes that comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations as well as internal policy requirements, proactively addressing emerging risks, particularly as they relate to Retail Banking products and services.

Build, develop, and lead the AML Business Risk Management team, including the due diligence processes undertaken at onboarding and throughout the customer relationship for both the Banking Services and the Retail Banking divisions.

Support the sustainable growth of the business by credibly presenting the risks and mitigation of prospective and existing client relationships appropriately to internal forums and governance committees.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement, integrity, and collaboration within the team, ensuring a high level of employee satisfaction.

Propose, establish and maintain clear risk appetite metrics and KRIs for financial crime risk across all business lines, with regular reporting to management to track the effectiveness of risk management activities.

Ensure transparency and accountability in all risk-related metrics, adapting the reporting to support the new Retail Bank’s AML needs.

Actively participate in legislative developments and consultations, providing feedback on regulatory proposals and policy updates that impact AML, KYC, and risk management practices.

Build and maintain strong relationships with supervisory authorities, clients, and other internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication, particularly as the Retail Bank launches and begins to scale.

Lead the identification, measurement, and reporting of key financial crime risks within the Banking Services and Retail Banking domains.

Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, ensuring that controls are tailored to the unique risks presented by Retail Banking products and services.

Form reasoned conclusions about new, updated and existing products, business lines and clients to assist in the formation of measured and appropriate risk-taking.

Build and manage a comprehensive risk reporting dashboard, ensuring relevant risk data is captured, analysed, and presented to senior management in a clear, actionable format for both the Banking Services and Retail bank operations.

Develop and maintain a robust management reporting function to ensure timely and accurate reporting to key stakeholders.

Ensure that both the Banking Services and the Retail Banking divisions’ financial crime risk management functions align with regulatory guidelines, industry best practices and internal policy requirements.

Provide guidance and training as required to internal teams on risk management principles, regulatory requirements, and best practices, with an emphasis on the unique challenges and considerations for the new Retail Banking division.

Offer expert advice and support to stakeholders regarding AML, KYC, and risk management requirements.

Actively participate in product development processes, providing input on risk considerations, resources, and financial crime needs to ensure new products and services in both Banking Services and Retail Banking align with regulatory, policy and risk management standards.

Assess existing and new products and procedures for adherence with internal risk management principles and regulatory frameworks.

Work closely with Product Management teams to develop and enhance Banking Services and Retail Banking Risk Management tools and solutions.

Support product teams in assessing and addressing potential risks related to new Retail Banking offerings, such as mobile banking, online services, and consumer loans.

Key QualificationsEducation: A Bachelor''s or Master’s degree in Finance, Law, Business, or a related field is desirable.

Professional certifications in Risk Management, AML, or Compliance (e.g., CAMS, CRISC) are highly desirable.

Experience: Significant experience within correspondent banking / BaaS is essential.

Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in risk management, with a significant focus on AML, KYC, and regulatory compliance in the financial services sector.

Proven track record of managing and leading risk functions within a banking or financial institution, particularly in retail banking or consumer-facing services.

Experience with regulatory reporting, risk control implementation, and team leadership, with a focus on retail banking products and services.

Skills And CompetenciesStrong understanding of AML, KYC, EDD, and regulatory compliance requirements within the banking industry, including retail banking.

Exceptional ability to manage and lead cross-functional teams, with a focus on developing talent and fostering collaboration.

Advanced skills in risk analysis, reporting, and KPI/KRI framework development.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with regulators, clients, and internal teams.

Strategic mindset with the ability to balance business growth objectives with rigorous risk management practices.

BenefitsCompetitive salary and progression

Open and inclusive culture

Hybrid working

Fantastic offices and great working environment

Vitality Health Plan (includes private health insurance, travel insurance, gym discounts)

Medicash health plan (Level 3)

5% employer pension contribution

Life assurance

Income protection insurance

28 days holiday plus 3 additional days, bank holidays and further days for various key life events

Team socials

Position DetailsSeniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Finance and Sales

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