At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and legal efforts in a dynamic fintech environment.
- Company: Join an FCA-regulated financial data services firm in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be the go-to compliance expert in a fast-paced startup culture.
- Why this job: Shape regulatory policies and make a real impact in the fintech space.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with expertise in financial services and data protection.
The predicted salary is between 61408 - 80000 £ per year.
Regulatory Compliance and Policy
- Own ongoing FCA compliance obligations, including regulatory reporting, policy maintenance, and horizon scanning for relevant regulatory change.
- Lead the compliance and policy elements of ISO 27001 certification (already underway) and DIATF certification (to be initiated).
- Act as the company's lead on GDPR, UK data protection, international data transfers (SCCs, UK Addendum), and data processing agreements.
- Own AML/KYC policy and oversight and ongoing monitoring of the company's compliance framework.
- Manage the relationship with the existing fractional DPO, with a view to assuming the DPO role over time.
- Advise on Open Banking and Payment Services Regulations as they apply to business products.
- Draft and maintain external-facing policies, privacy notices, and regulatory documentation.
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies (FCA, ICO) where required.
- Represent the business at external industry forums, working groups, and regulatory consultations, contributing to policy discussions and helping shape the design of regulation that affects the business.
Legal
- Provide first-pass review of commercial contracts, supplier agreements, partnership terms, and customer-facing terms of service.
- Manage and instruct external solicitors where specialist advice is needed (e.g. employment law, complex commercial disputes), reducing unnecessary external spend.
- Advise the leadership team on legal risk across the business.
- Support fundraising processes from a legal/regulatory perspective where needed.
Governance and Risk
- Develop and maintain the company's compliance monitoring programme.
- Report to the board on compliance risk, regulatory developments, and policy gaps.
- Contribute to the company's broader risk management and information security governance alongside the technical team.
Qualifications
- Qualified solicitor (England and Wales) with a background in financial services, fintech, or payments regulation.
- Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, data protection law, and international data transfer mechanisms.
- Familiarity with AML/KYC frameworks and MLR obligations.
- Ability to operate independently, set your own priorities, and manage your own workload with minimal oversight.
- Comfortable working in a small startup environment where you will be the sole compliance and legal resource.
- Pragmatic approach – able to distinguish between what needs to be perfect and what needs to be done.
Our client is an FCA-regulated financial data services firm, with an expanding team in London. The balance of the role leans heavily towards regulatory compliance, data protection, and policy, with the remainder covering commercial legal work such as contract review, terms of service, and supplier agreements.
Head of Compliance & Legal in City of Westminster employer: The FCA
As a leading FCA-regulated financial data services firm based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our commitment to compliance and legal excellence is matched by our dedication to providing a supportive environment where innovative thinking thrives, offering unique opportunities for professional advancement in the fast-paced fintech sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance & Legal in City of Westminster
✨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 The FCA looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance & Legal in City of Westminster
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 The FCA. 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 The FCA
✨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 The FCA’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
