At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk and compliance framework, ensuring regulatory adherence and effective governance.
- Company: Join a dynamic alternative asset management firm in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Promote a strong risk culture and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on compliance and risk strategies in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in risk/compliance within UK asset management required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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.
Head of Risk & Compliance | S5 | DEVA Capital | London employer: Santander Group
DEVA Capital is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets compliance. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes a generous pension contribution and a hybrid working model. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values integrity and fosters a robust risk and compliance culture, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact in the alternative asset management sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk & Compliance | S5 | DEVA Capital | London
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Santander Group looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk & Compliance | S5 | DEVA Capital | London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Santander Group. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander Group
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Santander Group’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
