Deputy AML Compliance Officer (DMLRO)

Please note that this is based at our Milton Keynes office on a full time basis.

Join viva.com at a pivotal moment in our growth, and play a front-line role in protecting a fast-moving FCA registered EMI involved with merchant acquiring firm from financial crime. As Deputy AML Compliance Officer (DMLRO), you’ll partner closely with the MLRO to strengthen our UK anti-financial crime framework—providing day-to-day oversight of AML operations, collaborating with key stakeholders and external bodies, and helping embed a confident, high-integrity compliance culture across the organisation. You’ll also have the opportunity to drive smarter ways of working by responsibly adopting AI and automation to enhance monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Why Viva.com:

Viva.com is Europe’s first acquirer powering merchant payments acceptance across 24 countries and over 1,215 devices. In the UK, Viva.com operates as an E-Money Institution authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offering an omnichannel payments platform that empowers businesses of all sizes to accept and manage payments — in-store, online, or on the go.

Viva.com leads in Tap on Any Device technology, offers a high-conversion Smart Checkout for online payments, and provides a robust marketplace solution, enabling flexible, scalable, and future-proof payment journeys tailored to every business model. All technology is built in-house on Microsoft Azure, ensuring speed, security, and innovation at scale.

Through its direct connections to local payment schemes and alternative payment methods, Viva.com supports 40+ payment options. Key features include Real-Time Settlement, Offline Payments, acceptance fees as low as 0% with the use of Viva.com’s business debit card, and Merchant Advance.

With a growing ecosystem of 450+ tech partner-innovators, Viva.com is leading the shift to All-in-One business solutions, empowering merchants to adopt cutting-edge technology seamlessly and scale their business with ease.

About the role:

The Deputy AML Compliance Officer (DMLRO) supports the MLRO in managing the UK anti-financial crime framework, ensuring effective compliance with AML/CFT regulations and policies. The role provides day-to-day oversight of anti-money laundering processes, monitoring, and reporting, while deputising for the MLRO as required. The Deputy MLRO works closely with business functions, regulators, and partners to safeguard the business against financial crime risk and contributes to embedding a strong compliance culture throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the MLRO in maintaining and enhancing the anti-financial crime framework, systems and controls in line with UK legislation and FCA requirements;
• Deputise for the MLRO during periods of absence;
• Monitor adherence to KYC requirements and transactional behaviour across the UK merchant portfolio;
• Conduct reviews and prepare reports for internal stakeholders and external authorities, including FCA and NCA;
• Liaise with issuing/acquiring banks, fintech partners, and PSPs on AML/CTF issues;
• Assist with responding to requests from law enforcement authorities and regulatory bodies;
• Assist with financial crime investigations and regulatory horizon scanning;
• Provides training and guidance to staff on AML/CTF obligations, supporting the promotion of a compliance culture;
• Supervise and support other business functions to ensure compliance with FCA regulations and Group standards;
• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems, processes, and reporting across AML/CTF operations;
• Actively identify, explore, and adopt opportunities to use AI tools and automation within the role, ensuring they are applied responsibly, ethically, and in line with company policy and local employment regulations;
• Any other reasonable duties in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in AML/CTF or financial crime compliance, preferably within payments or merchant acquiring;
• Strong working knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulations, sanctions, bribery and corruption, and JMLSG guidance;
• Hands-on experience with AML monitoring systems, databases, and case management tools;
• Proven ability to assess financial crime risks and maintain effective systems, controls, policies and procedures;
• Background in Law, Finance, or Economics desirable;
• Professional certifications (e.g. ACAMS, ICA) considered an advantage;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional European languages a plus.

Personal Attributes:

• Integrity and confidentiality in all aspects of work;
• Proactive and dependable, with a strong sense of accountability;
• Detail-oriented with excellent judgement and problem-solving skills;
• Collaborative and supportive, with the ability to work across teams;
• Adaptable and resilient, effective in a fast-paced fintech environment;
• Willingness to take ownership and act decisively when deputising for the MLRO.

• Competitive salary;
• Private medical health insurance;
• Pension;
• 25 days holiday;
• Office gym (Milton Keynes office only);
• We work in an open, transparent working environment that actively promotes ingenuity and team work;
• You will be fully trained and continuously supported;
• Working in an international fin-tech company with a large cultural diversity;
• A fast paced and high energy environment;
• Work with the latest in payments acquiring technology;
• Opportunity to grow progressively in your domain;