Chief Compliance Officer - Consumer/Lending
MERJE have been exclusively instructed to support a new start-up Fintech lending firm in their search for a Chief Compliance Officer.
You will:
- Oversee compliance processes and providing input on new product launches to ensure they are compliant with relevant legislation
- Provide leadership of internal committees covering all relevant areas of compliance & risk (conduct risk, credit risk, operational risk, financial crime, regulatory compliance, product approval etc.. )
- Liaise with the board and risk committee to ensure a robust organisational governance structure
- Horizon scanning of relevant legislation impacting the firm
- Undertake MLRO responsibilities/acting as SMF17
- Provide ownership of compliance monitoring plan
- Liaise with regulatory bodies
- Review and approval of financial promotions / marketing & distribution
- Lead the build out of the team and the risk & compliance infrastructure in line with growth
Requirements:
- Operated as an SMF16 & SM17 in a lending or consumer business
- Strong understanding of the FCA Handbook (particularly CONC, COBS, SYSC, COND, PRIN, PROD, DISP and SMCR)
- Experience of product governance with a good understanding of consumer duty
- Strong team player
- Excited to help build a fintech from the ground up
This is a hands‑on, senior leadership position with SMF 16 & 17 accountability, giving you formal regulatory responsibility for both the compliance and risk functions. You’ll shape policies, frameworks, and risk culture at the ground level and play a key role in ensuring regulatory standards are embedded throughout the business.
▪️ Meaningful equity in a high‑growth business — a chance to benefit as the company scales.
▪️ Influence over key risk and compliance decisions in a startup environment.
▪️ Work with a forward‑thinking team delivering market‑first fintech solutions.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Finance
