Head of Compliance - SMF16 & SMF17 in Edinburgh

Head of Compliance | SMF16 & SMF17 | Leadership RoleMcFall 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

Legal 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

Regulatory, Governance & Training

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

Leadership

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

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