Head of Risk & Compliance

Apply by sending your CV to giulia.sanvincenti@otala.markets and include the following details in your email:

• Subject: "Head of Risk & Compliance"
• Salary expectations
• Visa requirements (if applicable)
• Availability to start
• Short introduction to yourself (max 200 words)

IMPORTANT: Candidates who fail to submit the requested information along with their CV will not be considered.

About Us: Otala.Markets Ltd is a specialist investment bank focused on the creation of structured and alternative investment products tailored to the specific needs of investors. Led by an experienced team with deep expertise in structured finance, Otala designs, issues, and distributes investment solutions listed on major European exchanges. The firm also offers securitisation services, actively managed certificates (AMCs), and custom‑built innovative structures to support a wide range of investment strategies—making capital markets smarter and more accessible.

Location: London (UK)

Seniority Level: Senior

Employment Type: Permanent, Full‑time

The Head of Risk & Compliance (HORC) is primarily responsible for the oversight of Otala Markets Compliance framework and ensures the organization’s adherence to UK laws, regulatory requirements, internal policies and procedures. As the Compliance function leader and a subject matter expert, the HORC is responsible for establishing high regulatory standards and implementing respective procedures to ensure compliance programmes are adequate, efficient and effective in identifying, mitigating and managing regulatory and compliance risks across the business.

The HORC provides regulatory, compliance advice and guidance (1st line of defence) and implements compliance monitoring, controls and oversight (2nd line of defence) to ensure the business operates in compliance with UK laws, regulations and guidelines. The HORC offers reasonable assurance to Senior Management and the Board that effective Compliance frameworks (policies, procedures, systems and controls) are in place, proportionate to the nature of Otala.Markets regulated business activities. The HORC encourages a positive collaborative compliance culture and helps senior management and staff understand all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements. The HORC reports directly to the Board of Directors and the Risk and Audit Committee, with routine reporting to the Board. The HORC shall also report any important issues and risks, including breaches of laws and regulations (including FCA rules) – whether material or non‑material, significant internal control failures, failure to act in the best interest of clients, or any other material issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing and ensuring open and honest regulatory liaison, building strong relationships with regulatory bodies, notably the FCA and law enforcement agencies.
• Acting as designated Compliance Oversight Officer (SMF16) and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17) for the organization.
• Essential previous experience as SMF16 and SMF17.
• Developing AML/CTF/CPF and other anti‑financial crime controls and processes and ensuring their implementation and effectiveness.
• Providing expert advice and guidance on compliance, regulatory and risk matters to all organization members.
• Overseeing and assisting in responding to possible breaches and operational risk events, and non‑compliance with applicable regulations, rules and internal policies.
• Overseeing the Compliance function, ensuring monitoring, onboarding, regulatory reporting and other BAU tasks are performed.
• Engaging and liaising with external parties for regulatory and compliance advice, review, audit and assessment.
• Supporting the business to develop frameworks for complaints, breaches, anti‑financial crime, product governance (including Consumer Duty) and other relevant areas.
• Contributing to strategy and business planning, notably from a risk and compliance perspective.
• Developing and embedding a strategic approach to risk and compliance and a target operating model.
• Overseeing implementation of mandatory Compliance training for employees.
• Providing advice and guidance on corporate governance matters to enhance the governance framework.
• Preparing reports to senior management and the Board on compliance and risk issues, escalating material matters.
• Promoting highest standards of integrity, probity and corporate governance in the organization.
• Advocating for fair treatment of clients and good customer outcomes in all circumstances.

Required Skills:

• Excellent understanding of financial services and structured products market, and issuance and distribution of investment products.
• Extensive experience leading a function or team at senior level.
• Ability to identify potential regulatory, compliance and anti‑financial crime risks, and plan/executing mitigation measures and controls.
• Managing regulatory change and challenges.
• Ability to challenge executives where needed and provide strategic guidance and direction.
• Ability to embed compliance culture, promote good governance and an effective Board.
• Partnership and engagement with stakeholders, considering perspectives for practical solutions.
• Strategic thinking, decomposing complex issues, practical solutions, strong collaboration.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, written and verbal.
• Expertise in UK regulatory frameworks, FCA rules, guidance and expectations; confidence to deal with FCA requirements.

Regulatory Requirements:

• SMF16 compliance oversight function – function of acting in the capacity of a director or senior manager allocated the function in SYSC 6.1.4R(2).
• SMF17 Money Laundering Reporting Officer – function of acting in the capacity of the money‑laundering reporting officer of a firm.

Additional Information:

• Work Environment: Collaborative and fast‑paced environment where team members are encouraged to take initiative and think creatively.
• Application Process: Candidates will undergo a multi‑step interview process.
• Expected Start Date: Immediate start required.
• Location: London, UK.

We look forward to your application!