Head of Compliance SMF16 in City of London
ETRA Talent is looking for an Head of Compliance SMF16 in City of London
Job description
Head of Compliance (SMF16) – Retail & Digital Markets
Location: London (Hybrid)
Company: Global Fintech | UK HQ
Employment Type: Full-time | Permanent
Salary: £180,000 per annum plus benefits
Overview:
A leading global fintech firm, headquartered in the UK and renowned for its innovation in retail and digital financial services, is seeking a Head of Compliance (SMF16) to lead its compliance strategy and framework. This is a senior leadership role, pivotal to maintaining regulatory integrity, fostering a strong compliance culture, and supporting sustainable business growth across regulated activities.
The successful candidate will serve as the FCA-approved SMF16 (Head of Compliance), overseeing all compliance and conduct risk functions, and acting as a key advisor to senior management, executive leadership, and relevant governance committees.
Core Responsibilities:
Leadership & Governance:
- Lead the Compliance function, including oversight of regulatory compliance, financial crime, conduct risk, and data protection.
- Act as Chair or member of governance committees, contributing meaningfully to strategic and operational decisions.
- Deliver clear, actionable MI to executive stakeholders, identifying emerging risks and regulatory changes.
- Drive functional efficiency, leveraging automation and technology to enhance compliance operations.
Regulatory Compliance Oversight:
- Develop and maintain a proportionate and robust compliance framework aligned with business activity, FCA expectations, and best practice.
- Ensure compliance with the FCA Conduct Rules, SYSC 6.1.23R, and all applicable MiFID obligations.
- Oversee the firm’s regulatory permissions and ensure they are appropriately mapped to current and future operations.
- Maintain responsibility for ensuring all personal data is processed in accordance with GDPR requirements.
Policies, Procedures & Advisory:
- Develop and maintain up-to-date compliance and conduct policies, ensuring alignment with regulatory change and business evolution.
- Provide guidance and training to staff engaging in regulated activity, with a focus on delivering good outcomes for retail customers.
- Lead on the firm’s annual review of Terms & Conditions, customer documentation, and complaints handling process.
Monitoring & Reporting:
- Design and lead the second-line compliance monitoring programme based on a risk-based Compliance Risk Assessment.
- Conduct thematic reviews and horizon scanning to identify risks and provide strategic recommendations.
- Produce regular, insightful reporting for Boards, Committees, and Regulators where required.
Operational & Risk Responsibilities:
- Act as Operational Risk Coordinator for the department, managing RCSAs, OREs, and remediation tracking.
- Collaborate with the Risk function to ensure accurate assessments of operational risk and outsourcing risks.
- Participate in wider firm governance initiatives including ICAAP, ILAAP, RRP, and the development of the Risk Appetite Framework (RAF).
Key Requirements:
- Previous FCA approved SMF16 experience is essential.
- Extensive experience in regulatory compliance within financial services preferably within banking, retail finance, or digital platforms.
- Deep understanding of FCA rules, MiFID, EMIR, PSD2, SYSC, and conduct frameworks.
- Proven ability to build and maintain a comprehensive second-line control environment.
- Strong leadership skills, with a track record of developing high-performing compliance teams.
- Experience working with UK regulatory bodies and staying ahead of fast-moving regulatory developments.
- Expertise in data protection and operational risk oversight.
Extra information
- Status
- Open
- Education Level
- Secondary School
- Location
- City of London
- Type of Contract
- Part-time jobs
- Published at
- 06-07-2025
- Profession type
- Accountancy
- Full UK/EU driving license preferred
- No
- Car Preferred
- No
- Must be eligible to work in the EU
- No
- Cover Letter Required
- No
- Languages
- English
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