Head of CASS Oversight

About InvestEngine

InvestEngine is an investment platform helping people grow their wealth the right way - simply, at low cost and for the long term. We are a fast-growing, FCA-regulated fintech with a small, agile team that values ownership, curiosity and collaboration.

About the role

We are looking for a Head of CASS Oversight to own the protection of our clients' money and assets. You will be accountable for the firm's CASS framework and its compliance with the FCA's Client Assets Sourcebook, chair the CASS Committee and report to the Board on CASS compliance. This is a hands-on, high-impact role and a key stakeholder in every CASS-related product, proposition and process change, working closely with Product, Operations, Finance and Compliance.

What you'll do

• Develop and update internal policies, procedures, and controls governing the handling, segregation, and protection of client money and assets in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation to demonstrate compliance efforts.
• Responsibility for ensuring the CASS framework complies with the CASS rulebook.
• Oversight of daily reconciliation of client money accounts in accordance with FCA's CASS regulations, familiar with ISEM (Internal System Evaluation Method).
• Supervision of client asset reconciliations, ensuring compliance with CASS regulations, and contributing to requirements for further development.
• Maintain robust reconciliation procedures and enhance controls to ensure accuracy and completeness of client money and asset movements.
• Oversight and management of any discrepancies or issues identified during reconciliation processes.
• Collaborate with internal teams to streamline reconciliation workflows and enhance efficiency, including automation and integration with other systems where possible.
• Stay updated on changes to FCA regulations and guidance related to client money and asset handling, ensuring operational compliance.
• Design, document, implement, and monitor risk and control frameworks aligned with FRC standards to mitigate operational and compliance risks.
• Take ownership of the oversight and ongoing monitoring of the firm's CASS-related systems and controls to ensure they are operating effectively and in full compliance with FCA CASS rules.
• Regularly report to the firm's governing body on the operational effectiveness of CASS compliance systems and highlight any areas of concern or improvement.
• Accurately complete and submit the Client Money and Asset Return (CMAR) to the FCA in accordance with SUP 16.14 requirements, ensuring timeliness and data integrity.
• Chair the CASS Committee and attend other relevant governance committees.
• Report to various governance committees and to the Board with respect to oversight and the firm's overall compliance with CASS.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and control testing to identify areas for improvement and ensure the effectiveness of controls.
• Provide training and guidance to staff members on client money and asset processes and risk management practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on FCA CASS regulations and FRC risk and control standards, offering advice and guidance to internal stakeholders as required, to include input into the ICARA process (internal systems and controls to identify and manage potential material harms).
• Lead the coordination and management of the firm's annual CASS audit, acting as the primary point of contact for external auditors, ensuring the timely provision of documentation, and supporting the resolution of audit queries to facilitate a smooth and efficient audit process.
• Responsible for the coordination of the resolution of any audit findings accepted by the firm.
• Collate data from Operations, Finance, and Compliance in respect of regulatory reporting to the FCA, HMRC and other regulatory bodies, including submitting the monthly client money and assets return (CMAR).
• Complete and submit regulatory submissions such as MIF001, ISACOMM 100, CRS, FSA029, etc.
• Assist with the statutory audit where necessary.
• Collaborate as part of cross-functional teams to deliver initiatives aimed at business growth and operational expansion, helping the company meet its objectives and enhancing the overall market presence of InvestEngine.
• Use your experience and industry knowledge to provide strategic guidance and support on key projects, driving innovation and operational excellence within the organisation.
• Breach management, including reporting on breaches and supporting lines of business with remediation.
• Management of the CASS Resolution Pack.

What you'll need

• 5+ years' CASS experience in an FCA-regulated investment firm, covering client money and custody assets.
• Deep knowledge of the CASS rulebook (CASS 6 and 7), CMAR, breach reporting and the CASS Resolution Pack.
• Experience leading CASS governance — committees, Board reporting and the annual CASS audit.
• Experience acting as CASS stakeholder on product and process change, ideally in a fintech or platform business.
• Proven experience designing and implementing risk and control frameworks aligned with FRC standards.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail; confident challenging the business and explaining CASS risk in plain language.
• Desirable: CASS-related professional qualification (e.g. CISI CASS).

What we offer

• Fully remote 'Work from anywhere' scheme — up to 3 months overseas.
• Support for development courses and qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Employer pension contributions.

Our Hiring Process

• Introductory call with our Talent team.
• Gamified cognitive assessment to understand how you think and problem-solve.
• Skills interview focused on your CASS experience.
• Interviews with our senior leadership team.