Head of Regulatory Compliance (London)

About us

Over the last 18 years, we have helped over a million satisfied customers move and manage their money. Our award-winning product portfolio allows our customers to make low-cost multi-currency payments across various payment products. From travel money to transfers, currency hedging, to expense management, we are focused on a single goal of making it easy for our customers to manage and move their money.

As a business, we are committed to delivering value to our customers through the combination of advanced payments technology and personal expert service. We’re doing this by hiring exceptional people and are now looking for an AI/ML Product Manager to join our team.

Within our offices in London, Chester, Los Angeles and Europe, Equals comprises of three business lines and brands – Equals Money, FairFX and CardOneMoney. You will join a very close-knit, talented and supportive team from various backgrounds who believe that bringing different perspectives together helps us understand our customers' needs. United, by one thing, making money management straightforward and cost-effective for our customers.

About the Role

You will be responsible for ensuring the Equals Group meets all its legal and regulatory requirements and implementing and maintaining a robust risk and compliance infrastructure. This senior role will oversee regulatory compliance across various jurisdictions, including the UK, EU and USA, will act as a key point of contact with regulators, and embed a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

You will report directly into the Chief Compliance and Risk Officer (CCRO) for the Equals Group and will be responsible for the Regulatory Compliance function to ensure a robust application of regulatory rules and compliance controls, operating under the 2nd line of defence, as part of Global Risk and Compliance function.

You will have extensive experience in the financial services industry, particularly in the payment/e-money services sector. Working with the Group CCRO, you will develop and implement a comprehensive Regulatory Compliance strategy that aligns with the business objectives and regulatory requirements. You will use opportunities for strengthening processes and controls and strive to implement and build systems and procedures that support a strong compliance culture.

You will be responsible for ensuring the Regulatory Compliance roadmap and strategy is delivered to a high standard and within relevant timelines with the assistance of the Regulatory Compliance team.

You should be able to influence stakeholders to promote the compliance agenda and can motivate and inspire the team members to perform to a high standard.

Regulatory change will be a key focus area for you in this role, and as such you will follow new developments and trends in the regulatory landscape impacting payments firms and advising other areas of the business and key stakeholders on the changes.

Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Head of Regulatory Compliance include:

• Ensure the Equals Group is operating in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

• Lead a team of Regulatory Compliance subject matter experts and support the ongoing development of Compliance staff.

• Execute the delivery of the Regulatory Compliance strategy and roadmap.

• Support the Group CCRO and MLROs in the delivery of their prescribed responsibilities and deputise the CCRO as assigned.

• Identify regulatory issues, challenges and recommend remedies to promote compliance.

• Review and prepare responses to regulatory authority requests and notices.

• Provide independent 2nd line ‘review and challenge’ to Equals Group’s business units, adopting the ‘advise, train and monitor’ 2nd line model.

• Provide high quality Regulatory Compliance advice and guidance to the business on all regulatory matters.

• Establish and develop regulatory engagement in relevant markets where Equals Group has or is seeking to establish a presence.

• Work closely with the other colleagues in the Global Risk and Compliance function and with the senior management and all stakeholders.

• Coordinate Equals Group’s initial responses to regulatory change matters, consultation papers, and advise on the changes to processes where relevant.

• Develop regulatory training materials and plan in relation to policies owned by Regulatory Compliance.

• Keep up to date with legal and regulatory changes and prepare implementation plans as needed.

• Identify and mitigate the risks of non-compliance with regulatory requirements and implement adequate tools and controls to reduce Equals Group’s exposure to any regulatory risks.

• Oversee the identification and resolution of regulatory incidents as well as report relevant incidents to regulatory authorities as applicable.

• Attend and provide reports to relevant Risk Committees as required ensuring the highest reporting standards are maintained.

• Promote the adoption of a culture that prioritises good customer and regulatory outcomes across the organization.

• Manage and develop relationships with external advisors.

• Embody Equals Group’s values of:

  • Be the customer

  • Succeed together

  • Go beyond

  • Make it happen

Essential Skills

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in Compliance and/or Legal function with at least 5 years in a Head / Lead-level role in the financial services industry.

• University degree (at least Bachelor’s level) in Law, or a professional Compliance qualification, such as CISI or ICA RC certifications etc.

• Extensive practical knowledge of the UK and EU legal-regulatory framework(s) as well as of other relevant jurisdictions.

• In-depth understanding of the Payment Services Regulations (PSRs), Electronic Money Regulations (EMRs), PSD2, GDPR and MiFID2 regulatory frameworks.

• Proven experience in heading/leading Regulatory Compliance and/or Legal function within the financial services or payments industry with a focus on multi-jurisdictional compliance.

• Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong understanding of Compliance Risk Management and Corporate Governance frameworks applicable to the UK and EU regulated entities.

• Proven track record of dealing with and maintaining relationship with regulatory authorities.

• Extensive experience of drafting, implementing and maintaining Regulatory Compliance policies and procedures.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to promote the Regulatory Compliance agenda and foster a robust risk compliance culture across the business.

• Meticulous attention to detail and organisational capabilities.

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a focus on execution.

Benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave

• Your Birthday Off

• 14 Weeks fully paid Maternity Leave

• 2 Weeks fully paid Parental Leave

• Private medical insurance via Bupa UK

• Free EAP service – mental health services via Aviva

• Life assurance policy

• Eye care – we cover the cost of the eye test, and you can claim up to £50 towards glasses

• £250 towards learning & development

• Interbank currency rates on travel money

• Workplace pension contributions

• Cycle to work scheme

• Onsite gym / corporate membership

• Free hot drinks, soft drinks, fruit and snacks in the office.

Working Arrangements

Where possible, we offer the opportunity to work flexibly and the opportunity to balance some remote working with time in the office collaborating, taking part in events and developing the social connections that make working with us rewarding.

For this senior role a minimum of 2-3 days in the office (London or Chester) will be required, with remote working offered for the remaining working days. Further details of the working arrangements shall be agreed with the Group CCRO.

Equals Group strives to create a workplace where we can all be ourselves. We believe in inclusion, equality and the power of diversity, so you'll be encouraged to bring your unique perspectives and experiences, and help us understand what you need to do your best work.

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