Head of Compliance

Working pattern: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in the office including Wednesday as a core day)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

SMCR Status: Senior Manager (16)

About Us

We are not your run-of-the-mill bank. It’s our people which makes us exceptional. Every individual here is valued - not just for what they do, but for who they are. We’ve built a culture rooted in purpose, passion, and a healthy dose of humanity. Joining Alpha Bank London isn’t just about a career - it’s about connection. You’ll collaborate with colleagues from all walks of life, building bonds that last and networks that matter. It’s this blend of international reach and local expertise that makes us strong. Whether you’re starting out or stepping up, you’ll find responsibility, variety, and experiences that go far beyond what a boutique bank or a corporate giant could offer alone. Together, we amplify ideas, share knowledge, and create impact. We believe in doing well and doing good. That means more than closing deals; it’s about making a difference for our clients, our communities, and each other. Because when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. Ready to make your mark? Let’s do it. Together.

The Role

As Head of Compliance and SMF16, you’ll lead a Regulatory Compliance function that sits at the heart of how we operate — ensuring we meet our regulatory obligations, uphold our values, and protect the trust placed in us by clients, colleagues, and regulators. Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll shape our compliance framework, guide senior leaders, and foster a culture where doing the right thing is simply how we work. Alpha Bank London is at a pivotal point of change. We are looking for people who can take their previous SMF 16 experience within Retail Banking and apply them to setting up new propositions. As a small company, it’s key that the Head of Compliance is able to pivot seamlessly between strategic vision and Board level interactions to being hands on and delivering BAU activities and projects. The SMF16 will work closely with the SMF17 to ensure that regulatory compliance, financial crime prevention, and broader risk management are effectively integrated across the Bank’s operations. The successful candidate will be able to balance strategic oversight with hands on leadership, who can see the bigger picture while staying close to the detail, and who thrives in an environment where collaboration, pragmatism, and clarity matter.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Regulatory Compliance Function
• Oversee the Bank’s regulatory compliance framework, ensuring it remains robust, effective, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Monitor and test the control environment, identifying gaps and driving meaningful improvements.
• Provide clear, timely reporting and insight to the Executive and governing committees.
• Champion efficiency and innovation within the function, including the use of automation where appropriate.

Regulatory Oversight & Advisory

• Maintain and manage the Bank’s regulatory policy framework, ensuring rules, permissions, and obligations are accurately mapped to business activities.
• Advise senior leaders and teams on regulatory requirements, horizon scanning for emerging changes.
• Work in close partnership with the People & Culture team to ensure full compliance with SMCR.
• Ensure compliance with Consumer Duty, MiFID, BCOBS, GDPR, and other relevant regulatory regimes.
• Oversee complaint handling, DSARs, and relevant annual Terms & Conditions sign-off.

Data Protection & Governance

• As the Data Protection Officer, you are required to provide oversight of Data Protection/GDPR across the Bank.
• Ensure personal data is processed in line with all applicable data protection rules.
• Support governance processes including ICAAP, ILAAP, RRP and RAF inputs.

Monitoring & Assurance

• Design and deliver the Compliance Monitoring Plan from a second line perspective.
• Ensure the team conducts thematic reviews, quality assurance, and assessments of regulatory risk.
• Identify and elevate control weaknesses, proposing practical, risk-based solutions.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience in regulatory compliance within financial services including in dual regulated institutions and retail banks.
• Previous SMF16 experience within retail banking (including with current accounts, cards and home loans/mortgages).
• Experience of working in a challenger/digital bank is desirable but not essential.
• Strong knowledge of the SMCR, FCA Handbook, MiFID, EMIR, PSD2, GDPR, and broader banking regulation.
• Experience designing and enhancing compliance frameworks and monitoring programmes.
• Ability to lead a team with clarity, empathy, and confidence.
• Strong written, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to translate regulation into practical guidance.
• A balance of strategic thinking and hands on delivery.

Why This Role Matters

You’ll be key to the success of Alpha Bank London delivering our future business plan, shaping how we develop new business lines and meet our regulatory responsibilities, how we protect our customers, and how we uphold the values that define Alpha Bank London. It’s a role with influence, visibility, and purpose — one where your expertise will help guide the Bank forward.

Why Join Us?

At Alpha Bank London, our values shape everything we do:

• Innovation – Be part of a team that embraces new ideas and continuous improvement.
• Collaboration – Work closely with experienced professionals who support your growth.
• Excellence – Develop your skills in a high-performing environment.
• Delivery – Contribute to meaningful projects and see your impact.
• Empowerment – Take ownership of your development and career progression.