Chief Operating Officer (Risk and Compliance Division)

Chief Operating Officer – Risk & Compliance

Sector: Capital Markets

I’m currently working on a mandate with a prestigious Capital Markets client seeking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Risk & Compliance . This newly created leadership role sits at the heart of the Risk & Compliance function and reports directly into the Chief Risk & Compliance Officer (CRCO).

This is a unique and influential opportunity for a strategic operator with strong capital markets experience and deep insight into regulatory environments, operational efficiency, and executive decision-making.

About the Role

As COO for Risk & Compliance, you will act as the CRCO’s strategic partner, overseeing day-to-day divisional operations, driving delivery of cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring smooth alignment between risk priorities and broader business goals. This role offers wide exposure to senior stakeholders and a chance to shape the internal operating model during a time of growth and transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of strategic initiatives across the Risk & Compliance Division, ensuring strong alignment with corporate objectives.
• Act as a senior escalation point for divisional matters, resolving issues and coordinating solutions before they reach the CRCO.
• Serve as the CRCO’s trusted deputy, acting as a liaison between departments and maintaining visibility across all key operational areas.
• Oversee reporting cycles, including the consolidation of departmental updates into executive-level materials.
• Ensure all board and external communication originating from the division is accurate, timely, and fit for purpose.
• Enhance operational effectiveness by identifying inefficiencies, freeing up leadership capacity, and introducing best practices.
• Collaborate with department heads and senior executives to support culture, employee engagement, and change management efforts.

Candidate Profile

• Strong capital markets or financial services background, ideally within a regulated global environment.
• Proven experience in a COO, Chief of Staff, or strategic operations role within Risk, Compliance, or Corporate Functions.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and interpersonal skills – able to build credibility at C-suite level.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity in a high-pressure, performance-driven environment.
• Technically proficient with a sharp strategic mind and operational precision.
• Known for sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to lead through influence.

Why This Role?

This is a high-impact executive position in a firm known for its market leadership and rigorous standards. As COO for Risk & Compliance, you’ll sit at the intersection of governance, strategy, and execution, playing a vital role in the firm’s continued resilience and success.