Risk and Governance Manager

About Us

Reef Management Services Limited (ReefMS) is a Guernsey-based Family Office serving a three-generation, English-speaking family, originating from a single patriarch whose personal and business interests span three continents. The family is conservative, entrepreneurial, discreet, educated, and values loyalty and integrity. The family’s business interests fall into two broad categories: businesses established by the patriarch and businesses established by second-generation family members, now in their mid to late thirties. The Guernsey Family Office works closely with offices in other jurisdictions to support the family’s business, philanthropic, and private activities. The office is regulated and responsible for the legal ownership, trusteeship, direction, and administration of the family’s offshore trust and company structures. Together with other offices, it also oversees compliance, tax, and financial reporting matters.

This is a full-time role based in St. Martin, Guernsey or London, UK. The position offers a market-rate remuneration package, reflecting the skills and experience of the successful candidate. For those looking to relocate, Guernsey provides a welcoming community, beautiful coastal scenery, and an exceptional quality of life. With short commutes, a relaxed island pace, and easy access to the UK and Europe, it’s an ideal place to balance career and lifestyle.

Role Summary

As a Risk and Governance Manager within the Family Office, you will be responsible for ensuring the company operates within legal, regulatory, and ethical boundaries while effectively managing risks associated with administering trusts and company structures.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Risk and Compliance Oversight: Act as the primary compliance and risk point of contact within the client services team, ensuring that all client activity aligns with the firm’s risk appetite and regulatory obligations. Identify, assess, and monitor risks across trust and company structures, escalating issues and recommending mitigation actions as appropriate.
• Client Onboarding and Due Diligence: Oversee onboarding, due diligence, sanctions screening, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring compliance with AML/CFT/CFP and sanctions regulations. Conduct Client Risk Assessments, Trigger Reviews, and Periodic Reviews, ensuring the risk profile of each client remains accurate and up to date. Maintain client due diligence files to a high standard of completeness and accuracy, responding promptly to regulatory or third-party information requests.
• Regulatory and Governance Reporting: Prepare and submit regulatory filings, including the Annual Fiduciary Return and Financial Crime Return, in accordance with GFSC deadlines and expectations. Support governance processes through accurate record-keeping, reporting, and policy adherence.
• Training and Culture: Provide training and guidance to staff on risk management, AML/CFT obligations, and broader regulatory requirements. Promote a strong compliance culture and reinforce the company’s governance standards through day-to-day engagement with client services teams.

The Successful Candidate

• Be an experienced trust and corporate professional with a minimum of 10 years of experience, ideally in compliance and/or governance related role.
• Strong understanding of AML/CFT/CFP frameworks and GFSC regulations.
• Hold a professional qualification such as the International Compliance Association.
• Possess strong exposure to private equity and real estate investment structures, with the ability to apply this knowledge in a client-facing context.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment, showing initiative, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and delegation skills, with the ability to cascade tasks effectively.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Project Management and Information Technology

Industries: Venture Capital and Private Equity