Job Description
Exclusive to MERJE
Indicative Package
* Salary: £100,000–£125,000 depending on experience
* Bonus: Performance-related (details to be confirmed)
* Benefits: Full package details available upon request
Location: Manchester (on-site with flexibility)
MERJE have been exclusively appointed to identify and attract a high-calibre Compliance Director to join a high-growth, technology-led broker at a pivotal point in its evolution.
This appointment follows the planned retirement of the current Chief Risk Officer at the end of the year, allowing for a structured handover and seamless transition. While prior SMF16 approval would be advantageous, it is not essential, the organisation is willing to support the right individual through the authorisation process.
This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious, privately owned fintech business that continues to scale rapidly while investing significantly in data, proprietary software, and market-leading customer experience.
About the Business
Our client is one of the UK’s most successful and recognisable fintech-enabled broking businesses. Founded and privately owned, the organisation has grown from entrepreneurial roots into a nationally recognised market leader with sophisticated in-house technology and strong brand presence.
A key differentiator is the business’s fully proprietary technology stack, all systems, platforms, and data infrastructure are built internally. This allows for speed of innovation, continual optimisation of the customer journey, and strong commercial agility.
The culture reflects this DNA: entrepreneurial, fast-moving, ambitious, and relentlessly focused on improvement. Significant further investment in technology, proposition development, and operational capability is planned — making this appointment strategically important to the next phase of growth.
Why the Role Exists
With the planned retirement of the current CRO, the business is seeking a strategic, commercially astute Compliance Director to:
* Provide clear, confident regulatory counsel at executive level
* Lead and further develop an established Risk & Compliance function
* Support and constructively challenge senior stakeholders
* Safeguard regulatory integrity while enabling sustainable commercial ambition
The Compliance Director will report to the CFO, sit on the Executive Committee, and act as a key independent voice across the organisation.
The Real Focus of the Appointment
While the technical remit is important, the defining characteristics of this hire go beyond
regulatory knowledge.
1. Compliance as a Commercial Enabler
This is an entrepreneurial, growth-oriented environment. Compliance is viewed as a strategic partner to the business — enabling ambition through proportionate, risk-aware judgement rather than acting as a barrier.
The successful candidate will be able to balance regulatory robustness with commercial pragmatism.
2. Confidence to Challenge and Influence
This is an owner-led organisation with ambitious leadership. Strategic discussions can be rigorous and intellectually robust.
The Compliance Director must possess the gravitas, resilience, and emotional intelligence to:
* Engage confidently at founder and board level
* Influence decision-making through clarity and credibility
* Hold firm when required
* Identify pragmatic pathways to compliant outcomes
Constructive debate is part of the culture — not a red flag, but a reflection of ambition and pace.
3. Leader First, Technician Second
Strong regulatory knowledge is essential. However, the defining capability is leadership.
You will inherit a capable, established team. Success will be measured by your ability to:
* Lead and empower the function
* Shape a forward-looking compliance strategy
* Enhance governance frameworks
* Develop and retain talent
4. Comfort in a Dynamic Environment
This is a fast-evolving, high-growth business. Strategy and operations move quickly.
The role will suit someone who is:
* Resilient and robust
* Commercially minded
* Adaptable and pragmatic
* Comfortable operating at pace
* Highly effective at building trusted stakeholder relationships
Working Pattern & Flexibility
The expectation is five days per week on-site in Manchester to ensure strong executive collaboration and visibility across the business.
However, the organisation offers:
* Flexible start and finish times
* Scope for greater flexibility once embedded in the role
* A culture that prioritises outcomes and quality of engagement
The Opportunity
This role offers:
* A seat at the executive table of a high-growth fintech organisation
* Significant influence over business strategy and customer outcomes
* The opportunity to shape a modern, proportionate compliance framework
* A supported transition period alongside the outgoing CRO
* A commercially engaged environment where compliance is genuinely valued
The remit is broad, exposure is high, and impact is tangible. This is an opportunity for a senior compliance leader who wants to partner with ambitious executives, guide regulatory navigation with confidence, and contribute meaningfully to a scaling, technology-driven financial services business.
For a confidential discussion, please contact MERJE.