Deputy Head of Central Compliance

Barclay Simpson; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic compliance leader to enhance its Central Compliance function. This role focuses on SMCR governance, regulatory engagement, and overseeing compliance frameworks in a multi-entity, FCA-regulated environment. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in compliance within financial services, with a strong emphasis on regulatory change initiatives and stakeholder management. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will drive compliance operations and contribute to the firm's success in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience in compliance with specific depth in SMCR and conduct risk.
• Strong policy writing and regulatory engagement skills.
• Proven track record in delivering regulatory change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the firm’s SMCR strategy and manage individual accountability frameworks.
• Oversee compliance activities including policy development and regulatory filings.
• Serve as the lead contact for regulatory audits and interactions.

Skills

Compliance in Financial Services

SMCR

MAR

MiFID II

Conduct Risk

Policy Writing

Regulatory Engagement

Stakeholder Management

Education

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

Job description

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.

Desirable:

• Background in either brokerage/trading firms and large financial institutions (investment/corporate banking, asset management).

• Professional compliance certifications (e.g. ICA, CISI).

Competencies:

• 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.

NB this is not the job description but a representation. Please contact me for full details and the full JD. [e-mail]