Chief Risk Officer (SMF4)

Chief Risk Officer (SMF4) – UK Bank

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.