Head of Surveillance – Payments
Location: London | Experience: 5+ years
Marlin Selection is recruiting a Head of Surveillance for a payments firm based in London. This is an opportunity for an experienced compliance professional with a strong background in payments, surveillance and compliance risk to lead the firm’s surveillance framework.
The successful candidate will oversee monitoring activity, identify emerging risks and ensure that potential issues are investigated, escalated and addressed effectively. Working closely with Compliance, Risk, Operations and Technology, you will help strengthen controls while supporting the business’s commercial objectives.
Key responsibilities
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Lead and develop the surveillance framework across payment transactions and customer activity.
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Oversee the review and investigation of alerts, ensuring timely escalation and clear documentation of findings.
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Assess compliance risks and translate them into effective monitoring controls.
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Review surveillance rules, thresholds and scenarios to improve detection and reduce false positives.
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Identify unusual activity, control weaknesses and emerging trends, coordinating appropriate remedial action.
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Work closely with the MLRO and relevant teams on potential financial crime concerns.
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Produce management information and reporting for senior management, highlighting key risks, findings and actions.
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Maintain surveillance policies, procedures and investigation records.
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Support audits, regulatory enquiries and the delivery of improvements to systems and processes.
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Provide guidance and training to colleagues on surveillance requirements and compliance risks.
Candidate requirements
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At least five years’ relevant experience in surveillance, compliance or risk, with substantial exposure to payments.
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Strong understanding of payment flows, transaction monitoring and the risks associated with domestic and cross-border payments.
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Knowledge of the UK regulatory environment and relevant financial crime requirements, including AML, sanctions and fraud risks.
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Experience investigating alerts, exercising sound judgement and escalating material concerns.
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Ability to assess control effectiveness and improve surveillance systems and processes.
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Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and clear written communication.
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Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and working across business and control functions.
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Leadership experience, or demonstrable readiness to take ownership of a surveillance function.
Relevant compliance or financial crime qualifications would be advantageous.
To apply, please contact Marlin Selection with your CV for a confidential discussion