At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance for a top trading firm and engage with the FCA.
- Company: Dynamic global principal trading firm in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and impactful decision-making.
- Other info: Small, high-performing team with rapid decision-making and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the senior compliance voice and drive strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in compliance, FCA SMF16 approval, and algorithmic trading experience.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
This specialist global principal trading firm is hiring a Head of Compliance to lead the second-line function for its UK-authorised investment firm. The role holds SMF16 approval, reports directly to the Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, and sits at the centre of a lean, high-performing London operation. The firm trades actively across European venues, runs a sophisticated algorithmic book, and operates in a regulatory environment where compliance is a genuine business enabler. You will own the framework end-to-end, be the firm’s voice with the FCA, and have a real seat at the table on commercial decisions.
Role
- True ownership. You are the senior compliance voice in the UK — no layers above you locally, no committee diluting your judgement.
- Direct line to the CRCO and the trading leadership.
- Compliance is treated as a strategic function, not a checkbox.
- Small team, sharp people, fast decisions. The kind of environment where good ideas get implemented in days, not quarters.
- Genuine technical interest — algorithmic surveillance, RTS 8 monitoring, ICARA design, and a regulatory perimeter that rewards people who understand how markets actually work.
The mandate
- Lead the firm’s compliance framework, monitoring plan, and FCA engagement; hold SMF16 and discharge SM&CR responsibilities for the legal entity.
- Support the risk management framework and ICARA process under IFPR, including the annual MIF007 return.
- Oversee market-making obligations under MiFID II RTS 8 across all trading venues — quoting, spreads, stressed-market rules.
- Own the market abuse surveillance programme; calibrate alerts for algorithmic activity, manage STOR submissions, and engage with the FCA on UK MAR.
- Lead the financial crime programme (AML, sanctions, ABC); act as MLRO or oversee the MLRO function.
- Drive operational resilience, third-party risk, and the regulatory training programme.
- Set the conduct and control tone for the UK entity.
You will likely have
- Current or prior FCA SMF16 & 17 approval.
- 15+ years in compliance and/or risk at an FCA-authorised investment firm, with genuine senior leadership scars.
- Direct experience inside an algorithmic market-making, principal trading, or sell-side electronic trading business.
- You understand what a market maker actually does and why the regulatory architecture looks the way it does.
- Deep working knowledge of MiFID II/MiFIR, UK MAR, IFPR/MIFIDPRU, and the FCA Handbook.
- A track record running an ICARA and submitting MIF returns.
- Hands-on experience designing market abuse surveillance for algorithmic flow.
- The temperament for a small, high-trust environment.
Head of Compliance & MLRO Designate — London - Tallentire employer: Jobs via eFinancialCareers
As a leading global principal trading firm based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work culture where compliance is viewed as a strategic enabler rather than a mere obligation. Our employees benefit from direct access to senior leadership, rapid decision-making processes, and the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge regulatory frameworks, all while being part of a small, high-performing team that values innovative ideas and personal growth.
Contact Details:
Jobs via eFinancialCareers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance & MLRO Designate — London - Tallentire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the compliance and trading sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your deep knowledge of compliance frameworks and market regulations. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex regulatory environments in the past—this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to firms you’re interested in, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in potential roles. A well-timed email can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current trends in compliance and algorithmic trading. Be ready to discuss how you would approach the challenges outlined in the job description. And remember, we love candidates who can think strategically about compliance as a business enabler!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance & MLRO Designate — London - Tallentire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Compliance role. Highlight your experience with FCA regulations and compliance frameworks, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in compliance and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Show Your Passion for Compliance:We love candidates who are genuinely interested in compliance and regulatory matters. In your application, express your enthusiasm for the field and discuss any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobs via eFinancialCareers
✨Know Your Regulations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest regulations like MiFID II, UK MAR, and IFPR. Brush up on how these impact algorithmic trading and market-making. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with compliance but that you truly understand its role as a business enabler.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Experience
With 15+ years in compliance, you’ll want to highlight your leadership scars. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in high-pressure environments. This is your chance to showcase your ability to make quick decisions and implement good ideas effectively.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios related to market abuse surveillance and financial crime programmes. Think about specific challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and strategic thinking in compliance.
✨Show Your Technical Interest
Since this role involves algorithmic surveillance and monitoring, express your genuine interest in the technical aspects of compliance. Discuss any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your understanding of algorithmic trading and how it intersects with regulatory requirements.
