Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CFO) DesignateContract Type: Full-TimeLocation: Hybrid – London, UKStart Date: After the close of our funding round and PRA/FCA fit-and-proper approval.Salary Range: £120,000–£150,000 + equity.Important NoticeThis is a paid, full-time employment role. Your start date will follow the close of our funding round and PRA/FCA approval. You will formally assume Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CRCO) duties only once these conditions are met.About MENA FSWe are establishing a profit-sharing, interest free digital bank with a Shariah ethos, delivering a world‑class banking experience. We have completed the Prudential Regulation Authority’s (PRA) New Bank Start‑Up Unit (NBSU) pre‑application ‘Initial’ stage. We are now appointing a Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CRCO) Designate to strengthen our senior leadership team and progress through the pre‑application stages to authorisation.This is a rare opportunity to:Create a bank from the ground up.Shape its strategic direction.Deliver a new benchmark in ethical digital banking.Why Join UsShape the operational DNA of a new UK bank from inception to launch.Work alongside a founding team committed to transparency, governance, and ethical finance.Drive innovation in Shariah and ethical finance.About the RoleAs CRCO, you will design and implement our risk management and compliance frameworks, establish our risk appetite, and embed Shariah‑aligned and ethical governance. You will ensure risk, compliance, and conduct are managed from pre‑application through authorisation, working closely with the Board, regulators, and advisors. You will work closely with the Founder, Co‑Founder, CEO, COO, Chair (INEC), and CFO to deliver the RBP, progress through PRA/FCA pre‑application stages, and support capital‑raising initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesLead development of the Risk Management Framework and Regulated Business Plan (RBP).Define and monitor risk appetite across credit, liquidity, operational, market, and conduct risks.Establish KRIs, EWIs, and stress‑testing programmes to safeguard resilience.Oversee compliance functions including AML/CTF, KYC, data protection, and Consumer Duty.Embed Shariah and ethical principles into risk and control policies.Maintain dynamic risk registers and transparent reporting to Board and regulators.Collaborate with executive team and advisors to ensure cohesive risk discipline.Essential RequirementsProven CRCO or senior risk/compliance leadership in regulated financial services or fintech.Experience building Risk Management Frameworks, KRIs/EWIs, and stress‑testing regimes.Strong knowledge of UK banking regulation (SMCR, SYSC 8, Consumer Duty, AML/CTF).Expertise in credit, liquidity, operational, and conduct risk management.Eligible for PRA/FCA SMF16 approval.Ability to embed Shariah/ethical principles into risk frameworks.Startup mindset: agile, hands‑on, balancing speed with rigorous controls.Desirable QualificationsProfessional risk or compliance qualification (FRM, PRMIA, ICA, ICSA).Prior new‑bank authorisation or early‑stage bank build experience.Familiarity with digital banking risk models (e‑wallets, cards, lending).Experience integrating Shariah, ESG/UNSDG frameworks into risk management.Knowledge of advanced risk analytics tools and platforms.Diversity & InclusionWe are building a team that reflects fairness, transparency, and ethical finance. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including all ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, sexual orientations, and abilities.