Compliance Officer (SMF16)

Compliance Officer (SMF16 – Compliance Oversight)

Location: West London

Working Pattern: Full-time, Hybrid (2 days per week in office)

About our client

Our client is a long-established charitable organisation with roots dating back to the mid-20th century and a longstanding presence in the United Kingdom. Over several decades, it has provided grants, scholarships, and financial assistance to individuals and communities, and more recently has become a focal institution for delivering interest‑free, ethical funding across the UK and Europe.

Our client is a UK-based charity committed to supporting its community members through responsible, ethical, and sustainable financial assistance. It upholds high standards of governance, transparency, and customer care, and is guided by strong values, disciplined oversight, and a commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the individuals and communities it serves.

Role

We are seeking an experienced Compliance Officer to hold the FCA‑approved SMF16 – Compliance Oversight function. This role provides independent oversight of regulatory compliance for a consumer credit‑regulated charity and ensures that the lending and operational activities meet FCA expectations.

The role is Full‑time and hybrid, requiring three days per week in the office, and plays a critical role in supporting sound governance, responsible lending, and strong conduct outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the SMF16 – Compliance Oversight function holder, discharging all associated FCA responsibilities.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with the FCA Handbook, including (but not limited to) CONC, PRIN, SYSC, and SUP.
• Maintain, review, and enhance compliance policies, procedures, and governance frameworks proportionate to the organisation’s size and risk profile.
• Design, implement, and deliver an annual Compliance Monitoring Plan, including thematic reviews, file reviews, and control testing.
• Prepare and submit FCA regulatory returns and maintain accurate compliance records, registers, MI, and decision logs.
• Advise senior management on regulatory developments, conduct risks, customer outcomes, and emerging compliance issues.
• Provide regular compliance reporting to the SMF1, including breaches, monitoring findings, risk assessments, and remediation actions.
• Oversee complaints handling processes and ensure adherence to FCA requirements and best practices.
• Deliver compliance training and promote regulatory awareness across the organisation.
• Support operational and lending teams with timely compliance guidance and appropriate challenge.
• Promote a strong culture of ethical conduct, customer fairness, and regulatory discipline.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a regulated financial services compliance role, ideally within consumer credit.
• Prior FCA approval as SMF16 or experience in a similar senior compliance function.
• Strong working knowledge of FCA regulatory requirements and supervisory expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to design and operate compliance frameworks for small or medium‑sized firms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to operate independently with clear accountability in a senior oversight role.
• Experience within small firms, charities, or mission‑driven organisations.
• Familiarity with regulatory reporting, governance structures, and risk management frameworks.

Working Arrangements & Conditions

• Hybrid working model – minimum 2 days per week in the office (West London).
• Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience and regulatory responsibility.
• This role does not offer visa sponsorship. Candidates must already be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
• Appointment is subject to background checks and reference checks, in line with regulatory expectations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a short cover letter outlining their relevant compliance experience and suitability for the SMF16 role.

Email: mustafa@tahas.net

Please have the subject of the email as: Application for Compliance Officer