Interim CEO (SMF1) – Wealth Management / Private Banking

Job description

Interim CEO (SMF1) – Wealth Management / Private Banking

Description

London | Interim Assignment | FCA-Regulated Business

Exec Capital has been engaged to identify an Interim Chief Executive Officer (SMF1) for a London-based international wealth management business operating within an FCA-regulated environment.

This is a senior interim leadership assignment requiring an experienced financial services executive capable of providing immediate regulatory oversight, governance leadership, and operational stability during a transitional period.

The current UK CEO is stepping down, and the business expects the search for a permanent replacement to take approximately 6–12 months. As a result, the firm is seeking an experienced interim executive who can assume the FCA Senior Management Function 1 (SMF1) role and provide leadership continuity from day one.

About the Business

Our client is part of a larger international financial services group employing several thousand staff globally.

Its international wealth management division operates across London, Singapore, and Dubai, managing approximately $3 billion in assets under management. The London office is a boutique UK operation with a focused team supporting international private wealth clients and relationship managers.

The Interim Assignment

The successful candidate will act as Interim CEO and approved SMF1 function holder for the UK regulated entity.

The mandate is primarily focused on:

FCA regulatory oversight and governance

Executive leadership of the UK business

Maintaining operational and regulatory continuity

Supporting a team of relationship managers and support staff

Oversight of compliance, risk, and stakeholder management

Liaison with boards, regulators, and international leadership teams

Providing experienced leadership during the permanent CEO search process

This assignment is intended as an interim solution rather than a route into a permanent role.

Responsibilities

Candidate Requirements

Exec Capital is specifically seeking senior candidates with substantial experience within:

Private banking

Wealth management

FCA-regulated investment businesses

International financial services environments

Ideal candidates are likely to be:

Former CEOs, UK Heads, Country Managers, or senior board-level executives

Previously approved for FCA SMF1 or similar Senior Management Functions

Semi-retired, portfolio-based, or operating as independent consultants/interim executives

Comfortable operating within governance-heavy and regulatory environments

Able to start relatively quickly if required

London-based or readily commutable to London

Due to the FCA-regulated nature of the appointment, the candidate pool is necessarily specialised. Applicants must be capable of securing FCA approval for the SMF1 Chief Executive function and possess the credibility and experience expected for regulator-facing leadership roles.

Why This Role May Appeal

This opportunity offers:

A high-profile interim leadership mandate

Exposure to an international wealth management platform

A governance-focused assignment with strong board visibility

The ability to make an immediate impact within a respected regulated business

Flexible interim positioning suitable for experienced senior executives and portfolio professionals

Job Benefits

Confidential Search Process

Exec Capital is handling this assignment on a confidential basis.

Further details regarding the organisation, strategic plans, remuneration structure, and onboarding timeline will be shared with shortlisted candidates during the process

Indicative is £1,500 per day.

To express interest or arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Exec Capital.

Extra information

Status

Closed

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Profession type

Management

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