At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and operation of our risk management framework in a dynamic financial environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking financial services firm committed to innovation and compliance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on risk management while growing your career in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Senior risk management experience in FCA-regulated firms, ideally with EMI or FX knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Risk Director
Department
Compliance
Employment Type
Permanent - Full Time
Location
London
Reporting To
- Sara Cass
- Description
- Overview of the role
The Risk Director is responsible for the design, ownership, and effective operation of the firm's enterprise-wide risk management framework.
The role provides independent second-line oversight of all material non-financial and financial risks arising from the firm's electronic money issuance, payment services, and foreign exchange trading activities.
Regulatory compliance, regulatory interpretation, and day-to-day compliance monitoring are owned by the Compliance Director.
The Risk Director works in close coordination with the Compliance Director to ensure alignment between risk appetite, regulatory expectations, and the firm's overall control environment, without duplication or conflict of accountability.
A group entity will be applying for a Mi FID licence in 2026, and this role will support the project and assume Mi FID entity risk responsibilities when operational.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and maintain the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, ensuring it remains proportionate to the firm's business model, scale, and complexity.
- Define and embed the firm's risk appetite, tolerances, and escalation thresholds, subject to Board approval.
- Ensure consistent risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring across all business activities, including payments and FX trading.
- Maintain the firm-wide risk register and oversee the operation of risk assessment methodologies.
- Provide independent oversight of risks arising from FX trading activity, including market risk, liquidity risk, settlement risk, and counterparty exposure.
- Review and challenge treasury, hedging, and liquidity management arrangements, including stress testing and scenario analysis.
- Oversee prudential and financial resilience risks relevant to Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), including capital adequacy, safeguarding risk, and wind-down planning, in coordination with Finance.
- Oversee the firm's operational risk framework, including outsourcing and third-party risk, ICT risk, cyber resilience, fraud risk, and business continuity planning.
- Review material incidents and near misses, ensuring root cause analysis and remediation actions are implemented and tracked.
- Provide risk oversight of payment processing infrastructure, FX execution platforms, and critical systems.
- Assess and monitor conduct and reputational risks arising from products, customer journeys, pricing structures, and FX execution practices.
- Support the embedding of a strong risk culture consistent with FCA principles, Consumer Duty, and Treating Customers Fairly outcomes.
- Provide risk input into product governance and new business initiatives, distinct from compliance approval.
- Provide clear, independent risk reporting for the Executive Committee, Board, and Audit & Risk Committee, including emerging risks, risk appetite breaches, and stress scenarios.
- Offer effective challenge to senior management on strategic decisions, growth initiatives, and material business changes.
- Lead risk input into new product approvals, outsourcing decisions, and material change assessments.
- Act as the senior management contact for risk-related FCA matters, supervisory reviews, and thematic work, while deferring regulatory interpretation and compliance policy matters to the Compliance Director.
- Support regulatory submissions and reviews by providing risk assessments, scenario analysis, and management information, without assuming ownership of compliance obligations.
- Lead and develop the Risk function, ensuring appropriate capability, independence, and resourcing.
- Promote risk awareness and accountability across first-line business functions.
- Work collaboratively with the Compliance Director, Finance Director, MLRO, and other Senior Managers to maintain a coherent and effective second-line framework.
- Line manage two team members in line with company values.
The Risk Director retains ownership of the firm's risk framework and oversight activities but is not responsible for:
- Regulatory interpretation or ownership of FCA rules.
- Day-to-day compliance monitoring, testing, or advisory activity.
- Regulatory policy drafting or maintenance.
- AML/CTF or sanctions compliance (owned by the MLRO and Compliance Director).
These responsibilities sit with the Compliance Director and MLRO, with the Risk Director retaining oversight of the risk impact of regulatory and financial crime issues.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Senior risk management experience within an FCA-regulated financial services firm, ideally an EMI, payments institution, or FX provider, with Mi FID experience.
- Strong understanding of FX-related market, liquidity, and counterparty risks within a regulated environment, and knowledge of both Mi FID and Mi FID-exempt FX products.
- Demonstrable experience operating independently from compliance functions within a three-lines-of-defence model.
- Proven ability to engage effectively with Boards, senior management, and regulators on risk matters.
- A collaborative team player with a strong work ethic, growth mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement.
- Adaptable, resilient, and able to perform effectively under pressure
Benefits
We believe great people do their best work when they feel supported, rewarded, and empowered to grow.
That’s why we offer a benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, finances, and life outside of work.
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Holiday loyalty scheme rewarding long-term service
- Work abroad scheme for added flexibility
- Competitive pension scheme via salary exchange
- Annual discretionary bonus scheme (eligible after probation)
- Financial education, planning & coaching platform
- Interest-free Season Ticket Loan for London travel
- Salary exchange nursery fee scheme
- Life Insurance
• Healthcare platform including
- Cashback on dental, optical & physio
- Virtual GP access
- Mental health and stress support helplines
- Additional wellbeing resources
- Enhanced parental leave
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible benefits that support everyday life
- Career development and progression tools
- Opportunities to grow within a fast-scaling international business
From sporting events and pub nights to seasonal celebrations and socials, we make time to connect and celebrate together.
Diversity & Inclusion
We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success.
We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, identity or experiences.
By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting equity, we aim to create an environment where all employees can perform and reach their full potential.
What’s next?
- We will review your application and come back to you as soon as possible.
- You must be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
- Full background checks will be carried out on all successful candidates.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Risk Director employer: IFX Payments
As a mid-level Salesforce Engineer, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly shape the future of our Salesforce platform. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, financial wellbeing support, and career development opportunities, all within a vibrant team culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Join us in this greenfield project and enjoy the unique advantage of working with a modern codebase while making a tangible impact on our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Risk Director
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like IFX Payments. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Risk Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to IFX Payments.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on IFX Payments's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IFX Payments
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with IFX Payments.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at IFX Payments will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former IFX Payments employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
