Head of Compliance (SMF16) – Retail & Digital Markets
Location: London (Hybrid)
Company: Global Fintech | UK HQ
Employment Type: Full-time | Permanent
Salary: £180,000 per annum plus benefits
Overview:
A leading global fintech firm, headquartered in the UK and renowned for its innovation in retail and digital financial services, is seeking a Head of Compliance (SMF16) to lead its compliance strategy and framework. This is a senior leadership role, pivotal to maintaining regulatory integrity, fostering a strong compliance culture, and supporting sustainable business growth across regulated activities.
The successful candidate will serve as the FCA-approved SMF16 (Head of Compliance), overseeing all compliance and conduct risk functions, and acting as a key advisor to senior management, executive leadership, and relevant governance committees.
Core Responsibilities:
Leadership & Governance:
* Lead the Compliance function, including oversight of regulatory compliance, financial crime, conduct risk, and data protection.
* Act as Chair or member of governance committees, contributing meaningfully to strategic and operational decisions.
* Deliver clear, actionable MI to executive stakeholders, identifying emerging risks and regulatory changes.
* Drive functional efficiency, leveraging automation and technology to enhance compliance operations.
Regulatory Compliance Oversight:
* Develop and maintain a proportionate and robust compliance framework aligned with business activity, FCA expectations, and best practice.
* Ensure compliance with the FCA Conduct Rules, SYSC 6.1.23R, and all applicable MiFID obligations.
* Oversee the firm’s regulatory permissions and ensure they are appropriately mapped to current and future operations.
* Maintain responsibility for ensuring all personal data is processed in accordance with GDPR requirements.
Policies, Procedures & Advisory:
* Develop and maintain up-to-date compliance and conduct policies, ensuring alignment with regulatory change and business evolution.
* Provide guidance and training to staff engaging in regulated activity, with a focus on delivering good outcomes for retail customers.
* Lead on the firm’s annual review of Terms & Conditions, customer documentation, and complaints handling process.
Monitoring & Reporting:
* Design and lead the second-line compliance monitoring programme based on a risk-based Compliance Risk Assessment.
* Conduct thematic reviews and horizon scanning to identify risks and provide strategic recommendations.
* Produce regular, insightful reporting for Boards, Committees, and Regulators where required.
Operational & Risk Responsibilities:
* Act as Operational Risk Coordinator for the department, managing RCSAs, OREs, and remediation tracking.
* Collaborate with the Risk function to ensure accurate assessments of operational risk and outsourcing risks.
* Participate in wider firm governance initiatives including ICAAP, ILAAP, RRP, and the development of the Risk Appetite Framework (RAF).
Key Requirements:
* Previous FCA approved SMF16 experience is essential.
* Extensive experience in regulatory compliance within financial services preferably within banking, retail finance, or digital platforms.
* Deep understanding of FCA rules, MiFID, EMIR, PSD2, SYSC, and conduct frameworks.
* Proven ability to build and maintain a comprehensive second-line control environment.
* Strong leadership skills, with a track record of developing high-performing compliance teams.
* Experience working with UK regulatory bodies and staying ahead of fast-moving regulatory developments.
* Expertise in data protection and operational risk oversight.