Head of Compliance, MLRO, ED

  • Compliance Professionals
  • Apr 15, 2026
Full time Banking Finance

Job Description

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.

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.