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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk management and compliance for a values-driven UK bank.
- Company: Join a long-established bank focused on ethical and responsible banking.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private healthcare, and a wellbeing allowance.
- Why this job: Make a positive social impact while shaping the future of banking.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior risk leadership experience in banking is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; ideal for those passionate about ethical finance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid Working)
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Lead with purpose. Shape the future of ethical banking.
We are a long-established, values-driven UK bank with a mission to deliver positive social impact through ethical and responsible banking. Serving a diverse mix of individual customers, charities, social enterprises, and mission-aligned businesses, we offer a meaningful alternative to traditional financial institutions.
As we grow, we’re looking for a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to lead our Risk and Compliance function and play a critical role in protecting our customers, strengthening our frameworks, and promoting sustainable financial growth.
The Role
As CRO, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the Bank’s risk management framework across all risk types — credit, operational, market, regulatory, and reputational. You’ll lead the second line of defence, contribute to key governance committees, and engage directly with regulators. This is a SMF4 and SMF16 role, with oversight of the MLRO and DPO. You will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to embed a proactive, values-aligned risk culture across the business.
What You’ll Bring
- Extensive experience in a senior risk leadership role within banking (ideally SME-focused)
- In-depth understanding of secured lending in the £0.5m–£5m range
- Demonstrable success in developing and evolving risk frameworks
- Strong regulatory understanding, including SMCR
- Clear communication, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach
Desirable:
- Previous SMF4 experience
- Experience in socially focused sectors (e.g. not-for-profit, healthcare, education, housing)
- Familiarity with ICAAP, ILAAP, operational resilience
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a bank that gives money meaning
- Work with people passionate about making a difference
- Enjoy a generous benefits package including 30 days holiday, private healthcare, wellbeing allowance, and an ethical pension scheme
- Birthday leave, volunteering days, and support for professional development
This is your opportunity to combine deep risk expertise with a powerful sense of purpose. Selected applicants will be provided a more detailed job description.
Chief Risk Officer (SMF4) employer: Tandem Search
Contact Detail:
Tandem Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Risk Officer (SMF4)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the banking and risk management sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role of a Chief Risk Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulatory changes and frameworks relevant to the banking sector, especially those related to SMCR. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about risk culture and compliance within your current network. Sharing your thoughts on how to embed a proactive risk culture can position you as a thought leader in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the bank's mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to ethical banking will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during any conversations or interviews, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Risk Officer (SMF4)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in senior risk leadership roles, particularly within banking. Emphasise your understanding of secured lending and any previous SMF4 experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for ethical banking and how your values align with the bank's mission. Discuss your success in developing risk frameworks and your collaborative approach to leadership.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your regulatory understanding, including SMCR, and your ability to communicate effectively. Mention any experience in socially focused sectors, as this is desirable for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Chief Risk Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tandem Search
✨Demonstrate Your Risk Expertise
As a Chief Risk Officer, it's crucial to showcase your extensive experience in risk management. Prepare specific examples of how you've developed and evolved risk frameworks in previous roles, particularly in banking or SME-focused environments.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations affecting the banking sector, especially SMCR. Be ready to discuss how you have navigated regulatory challenges in the past and how you plan to ensure compliance in this role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively
Effective communication is key for a CRO. Practice articulating complex risk concepts in a clear and concise manner. Highlight your collaborative approach by sharing examples of how you've worked with senior leadership and regulators to foster a proactive risk culture.
✨Align with the Bank's Values
This bank is values-driven, so it's important to demonstrate your alignment with their mission of ethical banking. Prepare to discuss how your personal values and professional experiences resonate with their commitment to social impact and responsible banking.
