We are delighted to be partnering with a long standing key client, with the appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer (SMF16 role holder).

About the Role

The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for assuring the business (and its associated companies) comply with all relevant regulatory and conduct requirements. The role protects the interests of business and its customers by providing guidance, corporate governance and advice on FCA (and PRA where relevant) compliance to the CEO, Board, Executive Committee and employees, especially in respect of Consumer Duty. To head the compliance team, assisting in the determination of the strategic development and general management of the company.

Responsibilities

• Fulfil the responsibilities of a Senior Manager Function (SMF) under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), in accordance with the associated Statement(s) of Responsibilities (SOR).
• Comply with the company’s SM&CR requirements, including timely completion of mandatory training, adherence to all company policies and procedures and participation in the annual attestation process.
• Adhere to the SM&CR framework, including FCA/PRA Conduct Rules and Senior Manager Conduct Rules.
• Embed Consumer Duty requirements and responsibilities into day-to-day practices, ensuring alignment with the expectations and standards set by the FCA and PRA.
• Document any delegated tasks to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Recognised as a Material Risk Taker under the regulatory framework, with responsibilities and decision-making authority that have a significant impact on the firm’s risk profile.
• Ensure alignment with remuneration and governance requirements applicable to MRTs.

Specific Responsibilities

• To provide expert and strategic advice to the UK Board and Senior Management team on regulatory, compliance SM&CR, corporate governance issues and evolving regulatory expectations ensure the organisations full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• To co-chair the Executive Risk committee contribute to relevant business executive and Board committees.
• To manage the compliance function, including liaison with the FCA, PRA, ICO and other regulatory bodies (where required) and to ensure the firm has an open and transparent relationship with its regulators.
• To liaise with industry bodies including the FLA and BVRLA and attend forums as appropriate.
• To set the strategic approach for the management of regulatory topics, including the development of appropriate policies, procedures, controls and training materials. Taking account of Group Policies and Procedures.
• To review relevant customer and dealer documentation for existing and new products and standard letters to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (where applicable).
• Accountable for Compliance monitoring and Assurance Framework, with regular cadence to Executive Committee, and Board.
• Oversight of key financial crime and third-party frameworks, specifically anti-bribery corruption (ABC), conflicts of interest and whistleblowing.
• Collaborate with HR on SMCR Framework, recruitment and regulatory readiness of certified functions.
• Responsible for compliance function operations and growth, embedding a culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the organisation.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate key risks within the remit of the role.
• Ensure adherence to relevant risk management policies and procedures.
• Escalate issues and report risks appropriately.

Required Knowledge & Experience

• Current or recent SMF16 responsibility within a consumer lender/retail bank.
• Comfortable approving Financial Promotions to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Prior experience acting as a key participant in business change, projects and system developments.
• Experience in setting firms strategy for the management of conduct risks and to promote a compliance culture throughout the organisation.
• Experienced in receiving, investigating, reviewing and responding to whistleblowing alerts raised within a company in accordance with the whistleblowing procedure.

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation of working in their Hertfordshire office 2 days a week minimum.

In addition to a highly competitive six-figure salary, benefits include:

• Pension: Employee contribution of 3.5% Employer contribution of 7.22% (50% reimbursement of employee contributions)
• Bonus up to 15% (non contractual)
• ECOP Car Scheme (1x free vehicle)
• Loan Plan Scheme – up to 2 vehicles at any one time
• Private Healthcare – Family Cover
• 27 days annual leave
• Annual medical screening