At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk & compliance for a pioneering fintech in Lombard lending.
- Company: Firenze, a fast-growing fintech redefining access to credit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with high-quality colleagues and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a leadership role at a category-defining company.
- Qualifications: Strong FCA knowledge and experience in financial crime leadership.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 126000 £ per year.
At the forefront of using investment portfolios as security for access to credit, Firenze is emerging as the category defining leader in what is known as “Lombard lending”. We already work with some of the UK’s leading wealth management firms to unlock access to what has historically only been available to UHNW clients of private banks. Backed by top tier investors and with significant ambitions to scale (both in the UK and ultimately internationally), Firenze is continuing to scale the team and seeking a Head of Risk & Compliance as we move from undertaking 60h exempt lending to applying for a CCA authorisation. The Head of Risk & Compliance is a senior role, reporting direct to the CEO, to build on the existing governance foundations and scale a robust risk & compliance function at the strategic heart of the business.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Strong understanding of the FCA Handbook (particularly CONC, COBS, SYSC, COND, PRIN, PROD, DISP and SMCR) & relevant legislation (particularly Consumer Credit Act, Regulated Activities Order, Financial Promotions Order and Money Laundering Regulations)
- Financial crime leadership experience having previously been a SMF17 (MLRO) or significant experience as a deputy MLRO with clear capability and appetite to be appointed as Firenze's SMF17
- Experience with lending to consumers in either a private banking/HNW context or a CCA regulated environment with the ability to engage confidently on credit structuring, disclosures, affordability, and conduct risk trade-offs
- Experience of product governance with a good understanding of consumer duty
- Good understanding of and interest in financial markets and investment products
- Experience of governance in a regulated firm
- A desire to have a high impact in an early stage growth firm, ensuring good governance goes hand in hand with scaling
- Intellectually curious and willing to keep constantly learning
- Roll‑up sleeves attitude to get stuck in to a variety of areas as the team scales
- Happy to be in either the Manchester or London office at least 2 days a week (and willing to commute to London periodically if Manchester based)
Desired Requirements
- Have previously been a SMF16 or acted in a supporting role to a SMF16 role holder in a Consumer Credit firm
- Experience of working with wealth management and/or investment platforms and overseeing retail distribution
- Specific experience of Lombard lending
- Experience of working within a fintech/start‑up environment
- Have successfully put together a regulatory business plan and supporting policies for an FCA licence related to credit activities
- Legal or legal‑adjacent experience
- Experience reviewing/approving financial promotions
- Understanding of/experience with CRR/Basel Rules
- Understanding of different financing arrangements/experience of collaborating with third‑party funders
- Experience having worked in multiple jurisdictions
Responsibilities
- Overall responsibility for ensuring Firenze’s Lombard lending solution is delivered in a compliant and customer focused way
- Undertaking MLRO responsibilities/acting as SMF17 and building on existing processes on combatting financial crime, KYC/AML reviews, EDD and transaction monitoring
- Review of existing products and processes and oversight of new product launches to ensure they, and their distribution processes, are compliant with relevant legislation and guidance (eg. CCA, CONC, Consumer Duty)
- Leadership of internal committees covering various risk & compliance areas (eg. conduct risk, credit risk, operational risk, financial crime, regulatory compliance, product approval etc.)
- Liaising with the board and board risk committee to ensure a robust overall organisational governance structure
- Horizon scanning of relevant legislation impacting Firenze, our lending solution and our distribution partners
- Ownership of compliance monitoring plan & ensuring strong compliance framework throughout Firenze
- 2LoD monitoring of Firenze employees and oversight/monitoring of wealth management distribution channels
- Training & support for Firenze employees and supporting the training of external distributors
- Liaising with regulatory bodies (particularly with the FCA)
- Collaborate with third‑party funders on risk & governance oversight
- Review and approval of financial promotions
- Lead the build out of the team and the risk & compliance infrastructure in line with growth to ensure a scaling of robust governance
What’s in it for you?
- A career defining role where you will play an instrumental role in scaling a category leading fintech company
- A leadership role in a business that puts risk & compliance central to decision making and an opportunity for significant influence in overall business strategy
- Growth opportunity where you will be able to push yourself through new experiences & developing new skills
- Opportunity to build and scale your own team and to be pivotal in international expansion
- Initial base salary of £100k+ if meet essential requirements and potential for £150k+ if meets desired requirements
- Meaningful equity in a high growth business backed by leading investors and with the potential to make outsized equity upside
- Transparent growth of benefits & team bonuses in line with business milestones
- Collaborative environment with high quality colleagues that push, challenge & support each other
How to apply
If you’re excited about finding out if it is a mutual fit then please apply via LinkedIn, the website or send your CV to hello@firenzeme.com. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Firenze by 2x.
Head of Risk & Compliance employer: Firenze
Firenze is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in wealth management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk & Compliance
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Firenze looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk & Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Firenze. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Firenze
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Firenze’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
