Strategic Risk & Compliance Leader

Birchlake Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Birchlake Recruitment seeks a seasoned leader to head Risk & Compliance, providing independent second-line oversight of Non-Financial Risk, Regulatory Compliance and Financial Crime frameworks in a FCA-regulated environment. You will drive governance, risk assessment and regulatory engagement at executive level.

You will lead a team of risk professionals, shape policy, and partner with the Board to ensure resilient operations, customer outcomes and strong ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience within FCA-regulated financial services.
• Proven experience leading Non-Financial Risk, Compliance and/or Financial Crime functions.
• Experience operating under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime.
• Strong working knowledge of risk management frameworks and governance, FCA Handbook, Consumer Duty, SM&CR, operational resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the Risk & Compliance function, overseeing risk, regulatory compliance and financial crime professionals.
• Provide strategic advice and challenge to the Board and Senior Managers on regulatory obligations and conduct risk.
• Maintain and oversee compliance with FCA requirements, Consumer Duty, and other regulatory standards.
• Oversee AML/CTF, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, and financial crime prevention arrangements.
• Develop and maintain risk and compliance monitoring, reporting and governance frameworks.

Skills

Senior leadership

Risk & Compliance leadership

SM&CR experience

Regulatory engagement

Education

Professional qualifications (ICA/ACAMS/FCII/ACII/IRM)

Job description

Birchlake Recruitment seeks a seasoned leader to head Risk & Compliance, providing independent second-line oversight of Non-Financial Risk, Regulatory Compliance and Financial Crime frameworks in a FCA-regulated environment. You will drive governance, risk assessment and regulatory engagement at executive level.

You will lead a team of risk professionals, shape policy, and partner with the Board to ensure resilient operations, customer outcomes and strong ethical standards.