At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance efforts to ensure regulatory obligations are met and maintain a robust risk framework.
- Company: Dynamic retail bank focused on innovation and compliance excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities to engage in change programmes.
- Why this job: Play a crucial role in shaping compliance strategy and making a real impact in the banking sector.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in compliance within UK retail financial services and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Description
The role ensures the bank meets its regulatory obligations under PRA and FCA requirements and maintains a proportionate, risk-based, and regulator-defensible compliance framework in line with its status as an SDDT firm.
As we scale, strong second line oversight will be critical to ensuring the bank continues to meet regulatory expectations.
The role holder will support the discharge of relevant SMCR prescribed responsibilities.
The Head of Compliance supports the CRO in ensuring clear allocation of compliance-related SMCR prescribed responsibilities.
They maintain the Management Responsibilities Map and Statements of Responsibilities.
The Head of Compliance is responsible for the independent oversight of the bank’s Compliance and Conduct Risk Framework, operating as the second line of defence.
The Head of Compliance plays a key role in ensuring the bank maintains a robust, proportionate, and regulator‑defensible financial crime framework.
The Head of Compliance has the authority to escalate regulatory, and compliance matters directly to the CRO, CEO, Board Risk Committee and Board Audit Committee.
They are a key second line contributor to Board and Executive governance forums.
They provide independent challenge to first line management and senior leadership.
This role reports to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) with additional reporting to the Chairs of the Board Audit and Risk Committees.
Requirements
- Knowledge
- Sound understanding of UK regulatory framework, including familiarity with the PRA Rulebook and Supervisory Statements and FCA Handbook(CONC).
- Good working knowledge of key applicable areas such as Conduct of Business, Consumer Duty, SMCR, SYSC and outsourcing requirements.
- Understanding of non-financial regulatory reporting requirements and governance expectations.
- Knowledge of compliance assurance methodologies and risk-based monitoring approaches.
- Good understanding of financial crime frameworks and controls (AML, CTF, sanctions, fraud, ABC), sufficient to provide effective second line oversight.
Skills
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to build and develop high-performing teams.
- Ability to provide effective independent challenge while maintaining constructive relationships with first line stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulation and apply it pragmatically.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clearly to senior management and Board committees.
- Ability to operate effectively in a lean environment and prioritise across multiple competing demands.
- High levels of integrity, sound judgement, and a strong sense of accountability.
Experience
- Significant experience(5-10 years)in a compliance role within UK retail financial services, ideally within a retail bank or building society.
- Experience interacting directly with FCA and/or PRA supervisors, including involvement in supervisory reviews, thematic work, or regulatory requests.
- Experience operating within an SMCR-regulated environment, including supporting SMF holders and understanding prescribed responsibilities.
- Proven experience developing, implementing, and maintaining compliance and conduct risk frameworks, policies, and procedures.
- Experience delivering compliance assurance and monitoring programmes in a second line of defence function.
- Experience with Consumer Duty implementation and ongoing monitoring of customer outcomes.
- Experience working in a Fin Tech, digital Bank, lean or scaling environment and with the ability to engage effectively in change programmes and product development lifecycles.
- Experience producing Board and Committee-level reporting and engaging with senior stakeholder.
- Relevant compliance and/or financial crime qualification (e. g. ICA or equivalent) desirable.
- Demonstrable alignment with the FCA Conduct Rules (COCON) and a strong commitment to ethical behaviour and good customer outcomes.
Head of Compliance in London employer: This Bank Limited
As a leading bank committed to regulatory excellence, we offer an exceptional work environment for the Head of Compliance role. Our culture prioritises integrity and accountability, fostering professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities. Located in a dynamic financial hub, we provide our employees with the chance to engage directly with regulatory bodies while contributing to a robust compliance framework that supports our mission of delivering outstanding customer outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in London
✨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 This Bank Limited looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in London
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 This Bank Limited. 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 This Bank Limited
✨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 This Bank Limited’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
