Risk & Regulatory Compliance Officer

About Climate Arc

The climate crisis demands urgent action. Every financial decision shapes our shared future. Climate Arc delivers the information, connections, and influence needed to accelerate the global transition. We are more than a grantmaker or technical team—we connect the dots between complex science and finance systems, translating this trusted data into actionable analysis to enable financial decision‑makers to move capital quickly and at scale. In this way we’re supporting systemic change—unlocking capital, building capacity, addressing critical gaps in transition finance—so lasting solutions for a resilient future become a genuine reality. We work with urgency to co‑create point‑in‑time solutions, while building a legacy of infrastructure and knowledge that will empower resilient economies and societies well into the future.

About this role

Climate Arc is seeking a Risk & Regulatory Compliance Officer to uphold our high standards and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and best practice. We are looking for an experienced professional capable of managing core risk and compliance functions in line with our current activities, while also building and enhancing frameworks that will evolve with the organization. You will develop, implement, and monitor policies to ensure our adherence to relevant laws, regulations and ethical standards, ensuring risk mitigation by conducting assessments and audits, internal training, and investigating non‑compliance. This is a hands‑on role for a mission‑driven, detail‑oriented professional who can manage risk in an opportunity‑rich environment while enabling operational excellence and innovation. A critical project in 2026 will be to support Arc’s legal restructure working with leadership and external advisers to coordinate structural, tax, employment, and governance workstreams ensuring timely execution and seamless operational transition. The role is offered on a 12‑month fixed‑term basis, with the expectation of becoming permanent.

Key Responsibilities

• Compliance

• Deliver FCA (and USA and EU equivalent) policies and procedures complying with the upcoming ESG data providers guidelines.
• Serve as Arc’s Data Protection Officer, ensuring GDPR compliance across operations, platforms, and data workflows.
• Manage all privacy governance activities including DPIAs, staff training, documentation, and data subject request processes.
• Maintain SOC2‑related compliance policies and coordinate evidence, reviews, and security governance with product and technology teams.
• Manage all required filings and reporting with relevant regulators, including UK Charity Commission, US state charity registrations, and other statutory bodies including and equivalent to the FCA.
• Work with the Finance team on 501(c)(3) and sales‑tax‑exemption compliance, state exemption certificates, and related obligations.
• Maintain a clear, up‑to‑date compliance framework and ensure organization‑wide understanding of obligations.

• Create and implement a risk management framework, including relevant management and reporting mechanisms.
• Own the organizational Risk Register, working with senior stakeholders to identify, assess, and manage risk.
• Lead risk assessments and ensure alignment with funder expectations and operational best practice.
• Develop and deliver relevant and fit‑for‑purpose organizational training in the areas of Compliance and Risk.
• Act as the single point of contact for all internal legal, audit, and compliance needs, ensuring adequate resourcing and coverage of identified issues.

Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Law, or related field; advanced degrees (MBA, JD) desirable.
• Experience (typically 4-6 years): Deep expertise in risk management and/or compliance, with experience in developing and maturing policies and frameworks and collaborating with business stakeholders to establish effective controls and reporting.
• Credibility: Foster strong and trusted working relations with regulators and auditors. Familiarity with FCA expectations would be advantageous.
• Skills and expertise: Strong analytical, problem‑solving, attention to detail, ethical judgment, time management, and communication skills. A legalistic mindset with the ability to navigate multiple regulatory landscapes across geographies and sectors.
• Business Acumen: Strong commercial understanding and literacy.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage projects and provide advice in a fast‑paced startup environment, whilst maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
• Initiative: Ability to work independently, meet strict deadlines, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Desirable

• Qualifications: Level 3 or higher Certification from Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) or Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) or similar e.g. FCA compliance courses.
• Experience: Fulfilled the FCA SMF16 role.

Location

For this role we can offer a remote‑first working option across the UK.

Salary and benefits

The salary range for this role is £55,000 to £65,000. In addition to the base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Generous paid time off
• Health and wellbeing program
• 9% employer contribution to retirement planning
• Enhanced family pay and leave policies
• Professional membership paid (if applicable)
• Nomad working policy

To apply

Please complete the Application Form including attaching an up‑to‑date CV as well as a Cover Letter (both in English) outlining how your skills and experience align with the above requirements and what motivates you to work with Climate Arc in this particular role. We intend to close the advert for this role on Friday 30th January at 5pm UK time but depending on the level of response we may close it prior, so we encourage you to submit your application sooner than later. The application and assessment process will involve the following:

• Application review (applications that do not include a full cover letter will not be considered)
• 1st round screening interview: Recruiting Manager (30 to 45 minute MS Teams video call)
• Offline task (no more than 2 hours)
• Formal interview (in person or MS Teams) with the Hiring Manager and panel (1 hour)