Head of Financial Crime Control Governance

Job description

We are looking for a Head of Financial Crime (FC) Control Governance to design, own and operate the 1LOD control governance framework across Wise entities. The role is accountable for the integrity and effectiveness of the FC control environment, ensuring 1LOD controls meet Group control standards. Working in close partnership with Product, Operations and 2LOD Compliance, the ideal candidate will provide the governance and support to enable rapid delivery while maintaining a robust, audit-ready control framework.

Your mission

Manage and enhance the 1LOD FC control governance strategy and operating model across Wise entities. Own and maintain the Financial Crime control library as the single source of truth and ensure ongoing library hygiene. Lead control mapping across the end-to-end framework (risks, processes, product, and regulatory obligations). Enforce control documentation quality check. Drive continuous improvement of the control assurance framework and workflow design, with an appetite for automation (e.g.

AI-enabled documentation where appropriate). Run control approval governance forum including senior management sign-off and tracking of actions to completion. Prepare high-quality materials, dashboards, and trend analysis for senior management and risk committees. Act as a key 1LOD point of contact supporting regulatory exams, process walkthroughs and audit requests relating to FC controls. Lead a small team (currently 1 direct report) and provide prioritisation and performance management; with potential to grow the team over time in line with programme needs.

Qualifications

Significant experience in controls governance and risk within a regulated financial institution (bank, payments, fintech at scale, consultancy supporting banks). Strong knowledge of financial crime risk domains (AML, sanctions, CDD/KYC, transaction monitoring, fraud) and how these translate into operational/product controls. Proven ownership of control libraries /RCSA/ control frameworks, including control lifecycle management and mapping to obligations.

Demonstrated ability to run governance forums, manage senior stakeholders, and produce audit-ready decision records. Experience partnering with 2LoD Compliance/Risk and supporting Internal Audit / regulatory reviews. Strong capacity to prioritize tasks, maintain a problem-solving mindset, and take ownership to drive and deliver projects from inception to completion with high attention to detail Strong data literacy with the ability to scrutinize metrics.