Deputy Head Central Compliance

Barclay Simpson; Greater London; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic compliance leader to oversee their Central Compliance function. This pivotal role focuses on SMCR governance and regulatory engagement, requiring a blend of regulatory expertise and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate will drive compliance operations, enhance frameworks, and provide leadership to ensure effective delivery of compliance objectives. Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment where your contributions will significantly impact the compliance landscape in financial services.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of compliance experience in financial services.
• Proven track record in regulatory change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the firm’s SMCR strategy and manage policies.
• Oversee compliance activities and regulatory audits.

Skills

SMCR

MAR

MiFID II

Conduct Risk

Policy Writing

Regulatory Engagement

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Education

Professional Compliance Certifications (e.g. ICA, CISI)

Job description

This range is provided by Barclay Simpson. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Barclay Simpson

I help banks and financial services firms hire regulatory compliance professionals.

Job Title: Deputy Head of Central Compliance & SMCR Strategy

Location: London

Department: Compliance – Central Compliance

Reports to: Head of Central Compliance

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic compliance leader to oversee and evolve the Central Compliance function, with a particular focus on SMCR governance, policy management, regulatory engagement, and oversight of key compliance frameworks. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep regulatory expertise, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to manage a wide remit across a multi-entity, FCA-regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the firm’s SMCR strategy, including managing policies, Statements of Responsibilities and leading SMF engagement through the full lifecycle (onboarding to offboarding).
• Chair the firm’s quarterly SMCR Forum and act as the central point of coordination for individual accountability frameworks across regulated entities.
• Oversee core Central Compliance activities including compliance policy development, training, regulatory registrations, complaints handling, conflicts and PA dealing, regulatory filings, and exchange returns.
• Serve as the lead contact for regulatory audits, internal audit, and regulatory interactions, ensuring all required documentation and evidence are prepared and presented to a high standard.
• Oversee maintenance of compliance registers, breaches, and escalations, while delivering high-quality MI and reporting to senior leadership, including ExCo and Board updates.
• Support regulatory change, conduct horizon scanning, and advise on emerging risks or regulatory themes impacting central compliance, SMCR, and conduct frameworks.
• Drive the ongoing enhancement of compliance operations, identifying improvement opportunities and implementing process efficiencies across the team and governance model.
• Provide leadership to direct reports and guide offshore resources as necessary to ensure smooth delivery of central compliance objectives.

Skills & Experience Required:

• 10 years’ experience in compliance within financial services, with specific depth in SMCR, MAR, MiFID II, and conduct risk.
• Proven track record in delivering regulatory change initiatives and leading compliance frameworks end-to-end.
• Strong policy writing, advisory, training, and regulatory engagement skills.
• Experienced in managing multiple stakeholders across Compliance, Legal, Risk, HR, Front Office, and IT.
• Adept at producing senior stakeholder communications including Board-level reports and thematic insights.
• Background in either brokerage/trading firms and large financial institutions (investment/corporate banking, asset management).
• Professional compliance certifications (e.g. ICA, CISI).
• Collaborative, detail-oriented, and proactive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Comfortable navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and regulatory expectations.
• Demonstrates leadership, initiative, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Finance and Legal

• Industries

  Staffing and Recruiting and Financial Services

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