Senior Director, UK Compliance Officer & MLRO

Circle is a financial technology company at the epicenter of the emerging internet of money, where value can finally travel like other digital data - globally, nearly instantly and less expensively than legacy settlement systems. This ground-breaking new internet layer opens up previously unimaginable possibilities for payments, commerce and markets that can help raise global economic prosperity and enhance inclusion. Our infrastructure - including USDC, a blockchain-based dollar - helps businesses, institutions and developers harness these breakthroughs and capitalize on this major turning point in the evolution of money and technology.
What you'll be part of:
Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values : High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible and diverse work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.
What you'll be responsible for:
As the UK Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), you will lead the development and execution of Circle's regulatory compliance program in the UK. You will serve as the primary point of contact with UK regulators to ensure that Circle's operations meet all legal and regulatory obligations. Working cross-functionally with Compliance, Risk, Legal, Product, and Operations, you will implement and oversee controls across licensing, KYC, transaction monitoring, sanctions, reporting, and risk governance. Your leadership will help ensure Circle maintains a strong compliance posture while enabling innovation in digital finance.
What you'll work on:

• Leading the execution of Circle's UK compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with legal, regulatory, and internal risk requirements.
• Serving as the primary regulatory liaison for managing day-to-day interactions with financial regulators and relevant stakeholders for our licensed entities and activities in the UK.
• Designing, implementing, and continuously improving compliance policies, procedures, and controls to meet evolving regulatory standards.
• Partnering cross-functionally with Product, Policy, Legal, and Marketing teams to ensure product offerings and promotional materials comply with UK regulatory requirements, including crypto-specific marketing rules; provide clear compliance guidance throughout product development and go-to-market planning.
• Identifying, assessing, and responding to regulatory changes impacting Circle's UK operations, ensuring timely and effective implementation.
• Providing oversight of AML transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, suspicious activity reporting, and financial crime investigations.
• Generating and analyzing compliance metrics to inform leadership reporting, program enhancements, and internal governance reviews; provide regular updates on UK compliance risks, issues, and remediation to senior management, board committees, and internal audit functions.

What you'll bring to Circle:

• 13+ years experience serving as a Compliance Officer or MLRO within a UK-regulated financial institution or fintech.
• 7+ years experience managing and leading teams.
• Deep knowledge of UK AML regulations, FCA expectations, and financial crime risk frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage regulatory interactions, audits, and ongoing supervisory relationships.
• Strong understanding of compliance across product development, marketing, and customer engagement in the crypto space.
• Track record of designing and implementing compliance programs, policies, and internal controls.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams and present to senior leadership.
• Experience working in or advising high-growth technology or crypto companies.
• Familiarity with global regulatory frameworks including EU AMLD, MiCA, or FATF guidance.
• Previously approved by the FCA for an SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and/or SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) function, having successfully completed the fit and proper assessment under the SM&CR.
• Familiarity with generative AI models (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) and prompt development
• Experience/familiarity with Slack, Apple MacOS and GSuite.

Circle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.
Starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Circle. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.
Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability, please reach out to [email protected] for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.
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