At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and financial crime frameworks in a fast-growing retail bank.
- Company: Dynamic UK specialist retail/lending bank with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, direct Board access, and the chance to shape compliance culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a newly-authorised institution.
- Why this job: Build a compliance function from the ground up and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: FCA/PRA approval as SMF16/SMF17 and retail lending experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
A newly-authorised, fast-growing UK specialist retail/lending bank is looking for its next Head of Compliance & MLRO to take full ownership of the second-line compliance and financial crime framework. This is a genuine build role with Board access. You'll hold both the SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO) functions and shape the compliance culture of a scaling institution from an early stage.
What you'll own:
- The firm-wide compliance monitoring framework, policies and FCA/PRA relationship.
- Consumer Duty embedding across mortgage and savings propositions, evidencing good outcomes for a non-standard customer base.
- The full AML, CTF, sanctions and fraud framework as Nominated Officer — including a customer base with meaningful cross-border and PEP exposure.
- SMCR implementation, financial crime risk assessment, SAR reporting and the annual MLRO report to the Board.
- Building and developing the compliance function as the bank grows.
What we're looking for:
- Current or recent FCA/PRA approval as SMF16 and/or SMF17, with proven retail lending experience (ideally mortgages).
- Strong working knowledge of MCOB, BCOBS, Consumer Duty, SMCR and the financial crime regime (MLRs 2017, POCA, JMLSG, OFSI sanctions).
- A track record of building or maturing compliance in a smaller, growing or newly-authorised firm — balancing rigour with proportionality.
- Experience managing higher-risk or cross-border customer exposure is a strong advantage.
- A pragmatic, commercial partner to the business who can also hold the line.
Why this role:
The autonomy to build a function the right way, a clear social mission, direct Board engagement, and the chance to grow with a bank at the start of its journey.
Head of Compliance in Slough employer: JSS
As a newly-authorised and fast-growing specialist retail/lending bank located in the heart of London, we offer an exceptional opportunity for the Head of Compliance to shape our compliance culture from the ground up. Our hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have the autonomy to build a robust compliance function and engage directly with the Board. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the financial sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in Slough
✨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 JSS looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Slough
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 JSS. 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 JSS
✨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 JSS’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
