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- Tasks: Lead risk management and compliance for a values-driven UK bank.
- Company: Join a long-established bank focused on ethical and responsible banking.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private healthcare, and an ethical pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while shaping the future of banking.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior risk leadership experience in banking is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; birthday leave and volunteering days included.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid Working)
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Lead with purpose. Shape the future of ethical banking. We are a long-established, values-driven UK bank with a mission to deliver positive social impact through ethical and responsible banking. Serving a diverse mix of individual customers, charities, social enterprises, and mission-aligned businesses, we offer a meaningful alternative to traditional financial institutions.
As CRO, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the Bank’s risk management framework across all risk types — credit, operational, market, regulatory, and reputational. You’ll lead the second line of defence, contribute to key governance committees, and engage directly with regulators. This is a SMF4 and SMF16 role, with oversight of the MLRO and DPO. You will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to embed a proactive, values-aligned risk culture across the business.
What You’ll Bring:
- Extensive experience in a senior risk leadership role within banking (ideally SME-focused)
- In-depth understanding of secured lending in the £0.5m–£5m range
- Demonstrable success in developing and evolving risk frameworks
- Strong regulatory understanding, including SMCR
- Clear communication, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach
Desirable:
- Previous SMF4 experience
- Experience in socially focused sectors (e.g. not-for-profit, healthcare, education, housing)
- Familiarity with ICAAP, ILAAP, operational resilience
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a bank that gives money meaning
- Work with people passionate about making a difference
- Enjoy a generous benefits package including 30 days holiday, private healthcare, wellbeing allowance, and an ethical pension scheme
- Birthday leave, volunteering days, and support for professional development
This is your opportunity to combine deep risk expertise with a powerful sense of purpose. Selected applicants will be provided a more detailed job description.
Chief Risk Officer (SMF4) employer: Tandem Search
Contact Detail:
Tandem Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Risk Officer (SMF4)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the banking and risk management sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role of a Chief Risk Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory frameworks relevant to the UK banking sector, especially those related to SMCR. Understanding these regulations will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about risk culture and frameworks on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Sharing your thoughts on ethical banking and risk management can position you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our bank's mission and values thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with ours and how you can contribute to our goal of delivering positive social impact through ethical banking.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Risk Officer (SMF4)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in senior risk leadership roles, particularly within banking. Emphasise your understanding of secured lending and any previous SMF4 experience to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for ethical banking and how your values align with the bank's mission. Discuss your success in developing risk frameworks and your collaborative approach to leadership.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your regulatory understanding, including SMCR, and any familiarity with ICAAP or operational resilience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your sound judgement and communication skills.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any errors. Ensure that your language is professional and that your application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Chief Risk Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tandem Search
✨Understand the Ethical Banking Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the principles of ethical banking and how they apply to risk management. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with the bank's mission to deliver positive social impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Risk Management Expertise
Prepare to showcase your extensive experience in risk leadership, particularly in areas like secured lending and regulatory compliance. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your success in developing risk frameworks.
✨Engage with Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on your understanding of relevant regulations, including SMCR and ICAAP. Be ready to discuss how you have navigated regulatory challenges in previous positions and how you would approach them in this role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Approach
Highlight your ability to work closely with senior leadership and regulators. Prepare examples that demonstrate your clear communication skills and sound judgement in fostering a proactive risk culture within an organisation.
