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- Tasks: Lead compliance strategy and ensure regulatory obligations are met while shaping the compliance framework.
- Company: High-growth, forward-thinking firm with a focus on compliance and risk management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape compliance practices.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the business.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior compliance roles and strong knowledge of FCA regulations.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing compliance team.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
McFall Recruitment is partnering with a high-growth, forward-thinking firm to appoint a Head of Compliance - a pivotal leadership hire reporting directly to the Chief Risk & Compliance Officer. This is a high-impact role at the heart of the business, offering the opportunity to shape and lead a proactive, future-focused compliance framework while operating at senior leadership level.
You’ll hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO), with a structured and supportive handover in place. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on oversight, giving you full ownership across compliance, financial crime, and regulatory engagement. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the business not only meets its regulatory obligations but stays ahead of them.
- Compliance Leadership
- Own and evolve the firm’s Compliance Framework and regulatory mapping
- Lead FCA engagement, submissions, and reporting
- Oversee policy development and compliance monitoring
- Provide clear regulatory guidance and escalation support
- Take ownership of AML & financial crime, including MLRO responsibilities
- Partner closely with Risk to ensure aligned oversight
- Provide pragmatic legal guidance across the business
- Manage external counsel on complex or high-risk matters
- Review key documentation (client agreements, contracts, NDAs)
- Identify and escalate legal risks effectively
- Build strong, credible relationships with regulators
- Support clients on regulatory matters
- Oversee governance and company secretarial responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality committee reporting and compliance MI
- Lead and embed compliance training across the organisation
- Lead, develop, and scale the Compliance function
- Build a high-performing, delivery-focused team
- Set clear objectives and drive accountability
- Navigate complexity and influence at senior level
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience operating at Head of Compliance / Senior Compliance leadership level
- Strong working knowledge of FCA regulation and expectations
- Experience holding or stepping into SMF16 and/or SMF17
- A commercial, pragmatic mindset with the ability to influence stakeholders
- A leader who can balance strategy with execution
Head of Compliance & MLRO — Strategic Regulator Leader in Edinburgh employer: McFall Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
McFall Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance & MLRO — Strategic Regulator Leader in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the compliance and regulatory space. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of FCA regulations and compliance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex compliance challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams in compliance. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive accountability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance & MLRO — Strategic Regulator Leader in Edinburgh
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 what we're looking for!
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 strategic leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated compliance challenges in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership position, make sure to highlight your experience in building and leading teams. Talk about how you've developed high-performing teams and driven accountability. We’re keen to see your leadership style in action!
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 serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at McFall Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Regulations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in FCA regulations and compliance frameworks. Brush up on recent changes and how they impact the business. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can also lead the firm in navigating them.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led compliance teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will help illustrate your ability to build and scale a high-performing team, which is crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you would evolve the compliance framework and engage with regulators. Think strategically about compliance and be prepared to share your vision for the future. This will highlight your capability to balance strategy with execution.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Prepare to discuss real-life compliance scenarios you’ve dealt with, especially around AML and financial crime. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to provide pragmatic legal guidance, which is key for the role.