Head of Risk & Compliance | S5 | DEVA Capital | London in City of Westminster

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Head of Risk and Compliance to join us in our London Office. The Head of Risk and Compliance will lead the UK risk and compliance framework, providing independent second‑line oversight and advice to support the firm’s strategy, growth and regulatory obligations. The role supports a UK-based alternative asset management business, ensuring effective oversight of regulatory, compliance and risk matters while maintaining alignment with Group frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and ongoing management of the UK entity’s risk and compliance framework, ensuring effective governance, oversight and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Support strategic business initiatives, regulatory change, fundraising activities and operational due diligence from a risk and compliance perspective.
• Lead financial crime compliance (AML/CTF, sanctions, ABC), with future responsibility for SMF17/MLRO.
• Act as the senior second‑line risk and compliance lead, providing independent challenge and commercially pragmatic advice to the CEO, COO, Board and senior stakeholders.
• Oversee regulatory compliance, financial crime, conduct risk and governance arrangements, ensuring alignment with UK regulations, Group standards and investor expectations.
• Build and maintain a robust control environment, including risk assessments, compliance monitoring, reporting and escalation processes.
• Support the business in the launch and management of alternative investment strategies, including Real Estate and Infrastructure Credit, through effective risk and compliance oversight.
• Lead engagement with Group functions, external advisers and regulatory stakeholders, while supporting the firm’s transition towards direct FCA authorisation.
• Promote a strong risk and compliance culture across the organisation through training, awareness and effective governance practices.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior risk and/or compliance role within UK asset management, preferably within private markets or alternatives.
• Good knowledge of alternative asset management business models, in particular Real Estate and/or Infrastructure Credit, including investment structures, funds, valuation, conflicts and investor considerations.
• Strong understanding of the UK regulatory environment relevant to asset managers, including FCA expectations, governance, financial crime, conduct and compliance frameworks.
• Experience building or enhancing proportionate second‑line frameworks in a growing business, including risk assessment, compliance monitoring, governance reporting and issue management.
• Strong understanding of financial crime controls relevant to an asset management business, including AML/CTF, sanctions, anti‑bribery and corruption, and suspicious activity escalation.
• Experience operating within, or alongside, a global group model with matrix reporting lines and Group policy frameworks (Preferred).
• Experience supporting regulatory authorisation, governance change or business transformation would be advantageous (Preferred).
• Prior approved person / SMF experience, particularly SMF16 and/or SMF17, would be advantageous (Preferred), degree or equivalent professional experience (Required).
• Relevant professional qualification in compliance, risk, legal, audit, financial crime or a related discipline is desirable (Preferred).
• AML / compliance / risk management qualifications desirable but not essential (Preferred).

Soft Skills

• Strong judgement, integrity and ability to balance commercial objectives with regulatory and risk management requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including policy drafting, Board reporting and presentation of complex issues in a clear and practical manner.

Benefits

• Competitive discretionary performance‑related annual bonus.
• Hybrid working model – flexibility to work from home 1 day per week (on average).
• Company contributes 8 % of salary into pension regardless of personal contribution.
• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company‑funded private medical insurance.
• Free access to a range of digital health services, including GP.
• Protection for you and your family, with company‑funded death‑in‑service benefit, income protection insurance and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
• 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform covering retailers, entertainment, eating out, travel and more.
• Voluntary healthcare benefits at discounted rates.
• Well‑being support – partnership with wellbeing partners across physical, mental, social and financial pillars, offering apps, discounted gym access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.

Our Commitment

We are proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone – regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating a recruitment experience that is accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates, and we want our people to thrive – at work and at home – while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.