Head of Compliance - Financial Planning | London, UK | Flexible

MERJE is currently working exclusively with a well-known financial planning and wealth management business in their search for a new Head of Compliance & Risk.

This position is responsible for implementing and maintaining documented and effective systems, policies, processes, and controls for compliance with requirements and standards under the regulatory system, including risk management, governance, anti-financial crime, and Data Protection.

The role holder will hold the SMF16 & 17 for the business and the other regulated entities, operate as a member of the Management Committee, attend the Group Board and the Group Audit and Risk Committee, and report to the firm’s CEO.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Compliance team and co-ordinate regular management information.
• Ensure full compliance with the FCA’s Consumer Duty by embedding consumer-focused governance across all levels, overseeing product and service design to meet target market needs, ensuring fair value, enhancing consumer understanding and support, and maintaining robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to deliver and demonstrate good consumer outcomes.
• Keep up to date with developments that may affect the compliance and risk of the group.
• Advise senior management in a timely manner of FCA related and other regulatory issues and any changes to the FCA rules.
• Produce an annual compliance report for senior management.
• Comply at all times with the Conduct Rules, and ensure compliance by the requirements of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the FCA Principles, and all applicable regulations in the FCA Handbook.
• Ensure FIT assessments are in place for all Senior Managers and Certified Persons and that measures are in place to review these annually.
• Ensure the business has adopted a risk-based approach to compliance monitoring.
• Review the activities of the firm on an ongoing basis to ensure they are undertaken adequately and meet all relevant requirements.
• Ensure all staff (including new staff) are aware of the firms’ complaints handling procedures.
• Ensure that any financial promotions are approved in accordance with FCA rules.

Key Requirements

• Operated as an SM16 within a wealth or financial planning environment.
• Good team leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and emerging risks relevant to the wealth management sector.
• Good knowledge of policies, controls, and monitoring required to enable positive consumer outcomes.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and provide clear, actionable guidance.
• Effective communication skills to advise stakeholders across all levels.
• Proactive, self-supportive, and motivated in fostering a positive compliance culture.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

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