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Head of Financial Crime Operations - UK Personal Investor

AT Vanguard
Vanguard

Head of Financial Crime Operations - UK Personal Investor

London, United Kingdom

Oversees and enhances our financial crime prevention and detection capabilities within the retail investments space. Leverages technology, data, and automation to proactively manage financial crime risks while driving operational excellence and supporting sustainable business growth.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

  • Lead the design and execution of a future-ready financial crime operations strategy that integrates technology solutions to enhance prevention, detection and management capabilities.
  • Build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Data & Technology Enablement:

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  • Champion the use of AI and automation to improve transaction monitoring screening, and case management processes - reducing false positives and increasing investigative efficiency.
  • Lead transformation initiatives to modernise financial crime operations, including the implementation of new platforms, workflow tools, and digital onboarding solutions.

Risk Management:

  • Lead the day-to-day operations of the financial crime team, including transaction monitoring, customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), PEP and Sanctions screening and suspicious activity reporting (SAR).
  • Oversee the investigation and resolution of complex financial crime cases, ensuring timely escalation and reporting.
  • Continuously assess and mitigate financial crime risks across the retail investment lifecycle, using data-driven insights and predictive analytics to inform decision-making.
  • Ensure adherence to UK and international financial crime regulations (e.g., FCA, JMLSG, FATF), while working closely with strategy and CX teams to embed proportionate, risk-based controls that enable innovation and customer growth.

Key skills / experience

  • Extensive experience working within a Financial Crime within financial services, preferable in retail investments
  • Strong understanding of applicable regulations and law, related to retail investing
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills including experience engaging with regulators and executive committees.
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate staff, build strong teams and capability
  • Effective collaborator with ability to establish credibility quickly
  • Delivery focused with a hands-on approach
  • Strategic and proactive thinker with ability to see the big picture

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.

Client-provided location(s): London, UK; United States
Job ID: Vanguard-169215
Employment Type: Full Time

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • FSA
    • HSA
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • On-Site Gym
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
    • Pet Insurance
  • Parental Benefits

    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Company Outings
    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Casual Dress
    • Happy Hours
    • Snacks
    • Some Meals Provided
    • On-Site Cafeteria
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Paid Holidays
    • Paid Vacation
    • Volunteer Time Off
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • Relocation Assistance
    • Performance Bonus
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • 401(K)
    • Financial Counseling
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Internship Program
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Leadership Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

Company Videos

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