Head of Compliance

JR United Kingdom; City Of London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in London is seeking a Head of Compliance with extensive experience in UK capital markets. The successful candidate will oversee compliance oversight and lead a team focused on regulatory engagement. This role offers a competitive salary, a discretionary bonus, and a chance to impact the compliance culture significantly.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Discretionary bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 10+ years in UK capital markets compliance with strong knowledge of exchange-traded derivatives.
• Experience as an FCA-approved person holding SMF16 and SMF17 responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the compliance function, including advisory, monitoring, and financial crime teams.
• Present regular compliance MI, risk assessments, and findings to the Board.

Skills

UK capital markets compliance

FCA-approved responsibilities

Trade surveillance

Analytical skills

Regulatory engagement

Job description

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Head of Compliance, london (city of london)

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Client:

ETRA Talent

Location:

london (city of london), United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

2

Posted:

26.08.2025

Expiry Date:

10.10.2025

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Job Description:

Head of Compliance SMF16 & SMF17

Location: London (Hybrid)

Regulatory Status: SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) & SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Compliance to take on dual responsibility as SMF16 & SMF17 within a leading global financial services organisation specialising in exchange-traded derivatives. The role is based in London and offers the opportunity to lead the UK compliance framework while coordinating standards across international operations.

As Head of Compliance, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across compliance oversight, financial crime prevention, governance, and regulatory engagement. You will be a key member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the UK CEO and Board, and working closely with global counterparts.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold FCA Senior Manager responsibilities for Compliance Oversight (SMF16) and MLRO (SMF17), ensuring full accountability under SM&CR.
• Lead the Compliance function, including advisory, monitoring & testing, surveillance, and financial crime teams.
• Own and deliver the Compliance Monitoring Programme, ensuring proportionate, risk‑based oversight aligned to business activities.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies across key areas including Market Conduct, AML/CTF & Sanctions, Conflicts of Interest, Gifts & Entertainment, Personal Account Dealing, and Best Execution.
• Ensure the effectiveness of trade surveillance and abuse detection controls, including alert design, tuning, and governance.
• Oversee transaction reporting and reconciliations under MiFID II/MiFIR, EMIR, and other applicable regimes.
• Maintain a robust AML and sanctions framework, including risk assessment, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and SAR management.
• Act as primary contact with the FCA, managing regulatory submissions, notifications, inspections, and remediation programmes.
• Present regular Compliance MI, risk assessments, and thematic findings to the Board and Committees.
• Promote a culture of integrity, embedding the FCA Conduct Rules and Consumer Duty outcomes across the organisation.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• 10+ years in UK capital markets compliance, with strong knowledge of exchange‑traded derivatives and clearing/brokerage operations.
• Proven experience as an FCA‑approved person holding SMF16 and SMF17 responsibilities.
• Hands‑on expertise in trade surveillance, transaction reporting, and financial crime frameworks.
• Demonstrable experience engaging with the FCA and managing regulatory change.

Knowledge/Skills

• Deep understanding of MiFID II/MiFIR, EMIR, UK MAR, SYSC, COCON, PRIN, CASS, and Operational Resilience requirements.
• Strong grasp of AML/CTF and Sanctions legislation (MLRs 2017, JMLSG).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence at Board level and lead teams effectively.
• Analytical and data‑driven approach to monitoring, reporting, and remediation.

Why Join?

This is a high‑profile leadership role with significant responsibility and influence across the organisation. You will have the opportunity to shape the compliance culture, strengthen regulatory relationships, and play a critical role in the firm’s continued success.

Compensation: Competitive base salary plus discretionary bonus, senior manager allowance, and comprehensive benefits package.

Regulatory: Appointment subject to FCA approval for SMF16 & SMF17, and ongoing fit & proper assessments.