Head of Compliance, MLRO, ED

THE COMPANY:

Our client is an asset and wealth management specialist, based in London. This is a stand-alone role that is both strategic and operational, covering SMF3, SMF16 and SMF17 responsibilities as well as hands-on compliance activities.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the firm’s Compliance Officer (SMF16), MLRO (SMF17) and ED (SMF3).
• Design, implement, and maintain the firm’s compliance and AML/CTF framework, ensuring alignment with FCA rules, guidance, and regulatory developments.
• Monitor, interpret, and implement new and updated FCA regulatory requirements, ensuring timely communication and adoption across the firm.
• Perform and oversee day-to-day compliance activities, beyond SMF16/17 statutory duties.
• Oversee and conduct CDD, EDD, KYC, client onboarding, and ongoing due diligence reviews.
• Support and manage SM&CR obligations, including certification, Conduct Rules training, and maintenance of Statements of Responsibilities.
• Draft, review, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Provide second-line oversight of business activities, including transaction reporting and regulatory filings where applicable.
• Act as the primary point of contact with the FCA and other regulators, including regulatory correspondence, information requests, and inspections.
• Investigate complaints, compliance issues, and incidents, preparing regulator-ready responses where required.
• Deliver compliance, AML, and Conduct Rules training to staff and senior management.
• Support compliance monitoring, assurance reviews, and internal audits
• Overall executive responsibility for asset management business, including investment operations, portfolio management governance, and operational oversight.
• Oversight of investment decision-making frameworks, including approval of investment strategies, mandates, and risk limits.
• Ensure effective portfolio governance, including valuation, performance monitoring, conflicts management, and best execution.
• Responsibility for the firm’s risk management framework, including market, liquidity, operational, and regulatory risk.
• Ensure the firm’s asset management activities comply with FCA rules, SM&CR requirements, and applicable UK regulatory standards.
• Oversight of financial performance, budgeting, and resource allocation for the asset management function.
• Act as the senior point of contact with the FCA and other regulators on asset management–related matters.
• Ensure clear allocation and effective oversight of prescribed responsibilities across senior management and key functions.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• FCA-approved experience as SMF16 and/or SMF17
• Minimum 7 years’ senior experience in the asset management field within a UK regulated financial institution;
• Strong practical knowledge of the FCA Handbook, SM&CR, Conduct Rules, AML regulations, and financial crime controls.
• Experience managing regulatory change and FCA updates within a firm.
• Experience engaging with Boards, regulators, and senior stakeholders.

For further information please contact Duncan Jeffery