Risk & Compliance Director

Lewis Paige; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Job summary

Lewis Paige is seeking a Risk & Compliance Director for a leading UK-based law firm, based in Glasgow (preferred) or Edinburgh. You will oversee the firm’s regulatory strategy, ensure FCA-driven governance and lead a team to maintain high compliance standards.

The role focuses on managing FCA-regulated activities, SMF16 oversight, and liaising with the regulator while embedding a culture of accountability across the business.

Qualifications

• Experience in FCA regulations and SMCR
• Proven ability to lead risk and compliance teams
• Strong governance, reporting and stakeholder skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop risk, compliance and regulatory frameworks for a law firm.
• Hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and support SMF17 functions.
• Act as primary contact with the FCA and oversee regulatory reporting.
• Ensure compliance with FCA regulations, Consumer Duty and SMCR.
• Collaborate with senior partners to manage regulatory risk and governance.
• Build and mentor the compliance team with strong policies and training.
• Support regulatory requirements across SRA and Law Society obligations.

Skills

FCA regulations

SMCR

Leadership

Regulatory reporting

Stakeholder management

Governance

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Risk & Compliance Director

Location:
Glasgow (preferred) or Edinburgh

Salary:
Competitive + Benefits

Take the Lead in Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Excellence

Are you an experienced Risk & Compliance professional ready to take on a senior leadership role with a leading UK law firm?

Our client, a well-established and highly respected law firm, is seeking an accomplished Risk & Compliance Director to lead its compliance function, shape regulatory strategy and ensure the highest standards of governance across the business.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a genuine impact at senior management level, working closely with the firm's leadership team to strengthen compliance frameworks, manage regulatory risk and promote a culture of accountability.

The Role

As Risk & Compliance Director, you will take overall responsibility for the firm's regulatory compliance strategy, with particular emphasis on its FCA-regulated activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the firm's risk, compliance and regulatory frameworks.
• Holding the SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) function and supporting the firm's Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17).
• Acting as the principal point of contact with the FCA, overseeing regulatory reporting and compliance obligations.
• Ensuring adherence to FCA regulations, Consumer Duty requirements and the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SMCR).
• Working alongside senior partners and key stakeholders to manage regulatory risks and maintain robust governance.
• Leading and developing the compliance team, ensuring effective policies, controls and training programmes.
• Supporting compliance with relevant legal regulatory requirements, including SRA and Law Society of Scotland obligations.

About You

We are looking for an experienced compliance leader with a strong understanding of FCA regulations and the confidence to operate at senior management level.

You will ideally bring:

• Previous experience holding an SMF16 position within an FCA-regulated organisation.
• In-depth knowledge of FCA regulations, SMCR and Consumer Duty.
• Proven experience managing compliance operations, regulatory frameworks and risk.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to interpret regulatory changes and translate them into practical business solutions.
• A degree or equivalent qualification.
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment would be particularly advantageous, as would relevant professional compliance qualifications.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established and successful law firm in a highly influential position, where your expertise will directly contribute to the firm's ongoing success and regulatory excellence.

Location:
Glasgow is preferred, although candidates based in Edinburgh will also be considered.