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We are seeking an experienced Compliance Manager to take overall responsibility for compliance oversight within a mortgage intermediary firm consisting of both in-house mortgage advisers and appointed representative (AR) firms.
The successful candidate will have 5+ years of compliance experience within the financial services sector, with a particular focus on mortgages and insurance.
The role requires a deep knowledge of the FCA Handbook, including SYSC (Systems and Controls), MCOB (Mortgage Conduct of Business), ICOBS (Insurance: Conduct of Business Sourcebook), TC (Training & Competence), CONC (Consumer Credit), and SUP (Supervision). The individual must also have hands‑on experience with FCA Connect, RegData reporting, and providing compliance advisory support to mortgage advisers and AR networks.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Oversight: Maintain and update compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with FCA Handbook requirements and industry best practice.
Monitor ongoing adherence to MCOB, ICOBS, SYSC, DISP, TC, CONC, and other applicable FCA rules.
Oversight and governance of appointed representative (AR) firms, including onboarding, due diligence, monitoring, and annual audits.
Ensure policies and procedures are subject to regular review and updated annually or in response to regulatory change.
Oversee completion and submission of FCA compliance reporting via RegData and manage firm changes through FCA Connect.
Advisory & Monitoring: Provide day‑to‑day compliance advice to directors, mortgage advisers, and AR firms via phone and email support.
Act as the first line of guidance on compliance matters, including conduct rules, sales processes, disclosures, and customer outcomes.
Conduct sales quality file reviews on a risk‑based sampling basis and provide structured feedback and remedial action plans.
Support complaints handling in line with DISP and FOS requirements, from investigation to resolution.
Review and approve advertising, promotions, and websites in line with FCA financial promotion rules.
Governance & Reporting: Oversee firm logs including breach registers, risk registers, anti‑bribery logs, and suspicious activity reporting.
Take ownership of the annual Fitness & Propriety (F&P) testing for advisers, including the Certification Regime, CPD tracking, and knowledge testing.
Deliver compliance input for Board and Executive Committee reporting, ensuring risks and issues are escalated appropriately.
Manage oversight of financial crime processes, including SARs and engagement with the NCA or law enforcement where required.
Training & Development: Deliver annual and ad‑hoc compliance training programmes (e.g. AML, Data Protection, Conduct Rules, Certification Regime).
Ensure advisers and AR firms maintain mandatory 35 hours CPD per year in line with TC 2.1.
Conduct knowledge testing and ensure cultural embedding of FCA’s Consumer Duty principles.
Operational Compliance: Manage data protection compliance (DPA/GDPR), including SARs and ICO liaison.
Assist with due diligence lender requests and external audits.
Lead annual compliance audits and health checks across the firm and AR network.
Circulate compliance newsletters and bulletins to keep staff updated on regulatory developments.
Essential Experience & Skills
* Minimum of 5 years’ compliance experience within mortgages and insurance.
* Strong knowledge of the FCA Handbook, specifically SYSC, MCOB, ICOBS, DISP, TC, CONC, SUP, and Consumer Duty.
* Demonstrable experience of working with FCA Connect and RegData reporting.
* Previous oversight experience of appointed representative firms.
* Experience providing compliance advice and oversight to mortgage advisers.
* Strong understanding of complaints handling, financial promotions, and sales quality monitoring.
* Knowledge of financial crime obligations, including AML, SAR reporting, and the Proceeds of Crime Act.
* Excellent communication skills – able to influence advisers and senior management.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple compliance priorities.
Desirable Experience
* Experience in implementing and embedding Consumer Duty requirements.
* Experience of liaising with FCA supervisory teams, including responding to information requests and thematic reviews.
* Practical involvement with SMCR regimes (SMF16 oversight roles).
* Experience of developing compliance frameworks for fast‑growing AR networks.
Reporting Line
Reports to: Board of Directors / SMF16 Compliance Oversight.
Works closely with: Mortgage Advisers, Appointed Representative Firms, Senior Managers, and External Stakeholders.
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