Head of Compliance

Are you an experienced Head of Compliance, or a Compliance Manager ready to take the next step into this leadership role? Do you thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment? If so, we want to hear from you!

This national, whole-of-market IFA company is a fast-growing independent financial adviser services organisation seeking a Head of Compliance to join their team. The role is part-time and hybrid, based at their Bracknell office.

You’ll enjoy a fun, friendly, and flexible workplace that values hard work and rewards effort. The company fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone, regardless of their position, is approachable and works together to drive the business’s success. The more you contribute, the greater the rewards!

• This is a 3 day a week role – how you split the hours is up to you
• Hybrid role – expectation that you will be in the Bracknell office 2 out of the 3 days a week, so that you can bond with your compliance team

Key Responsibilities of the Role 

• Take primary responsibility for overseeing the company’s second-line regulatory compliance function
• Ensure the business maintains effective systems, procedures, and controls to meet regulatory requirements and standards, including risk management and data protection
• Collaborate with the Managing Director to maintain a strong and productive relationship with regulatory bodies
• Ensure all regulatory notifications and reporting obligations are fulfilled accurately and on time
• Develop and maintain comprehensive and effective compliance procedures aligned with internal standards, business objectives, and the company’s risk appetite
• Lead the successful implementation of the company’s annual compliance plan

Compliance Responsibilities

• Ensure the firm implements and adheres to risk-based compliance procedures in line with FCA regulations and industry guidance. Facilitate regular training to ensure all staff understand and follow these procedures
• Maintain up-to-date management information (MI), identify adverse trends or recurring issues, and escalate them to the relevant members of the senior management team
• Capture and report relevant MI to the board, including conducting root cause analyses to identify trends and common themes, and oversee the implementation of corrective actions where necessary
• Continuously review any delegated activities performed by third parties and conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure compliance

Financial Advice Selling Practices

• Ensure all Financial Advisers and support staff are informed of relevant guidance in their areas of operation and have received proper training on new markets, products, or procedures
• Oversee Compliance File Checkers to ensure they regularly review IFA client files as required by the annual compliance plan
• Conduct regular reviews of File Checkers’ work to verify compliance with regulatory standards and address any identified remedial or developmental training needs

Financial Promotions

• Ensure all financial promotions are approved in accordance with FCA standards and recorded in the financial promotion register
• Ensure all staff are aware that no financial promotion can be issued without prior approval from the Compliance Oversight Function

Recruitment – Authorised Individuals

• Ensure recruitment procedures comply with regulatory requirements and are consistently followed
• Verify that all approved persons read and understand the FCA Code of Practice (COCON) and the company’s internal processes and procedures
• Ensure new recruits receive training in relevant procedures, including complaints, financial crime, Treating Customers Fairly (TCF), Training and Competence (T&C), and whistleblowing
• Oversee and confirm that all relevant individuals are FCA-approved before performing controlled functions
• Notify the FCA promptly of any approved person or certified individual ceasing their role or changes in their details

Compliance Monitoring

• Implement a robust, risk-based annual compliance monitoring plan, ensure its delivery, and confirm that all remedial or developmental actions are completed
• Provide the Board and senior management with regular updates on findings from compliance monitoring activities
• Ensure all risks are identified, recorded in the company’s risk register, managed, and mitigated, with appropriate actions taken to prevent a risk crystallisation event

Training and Development (T&D)

• Ensure all approved persons are subject to the supervision levels outlined in the Training and Development Plan
• Oversee the maintenance of adequate training records, with updates provided at regular Compliance Meetings
• Confirm during Compliance Meetings that individuals maintain accurate records of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including a valid Statement of Professional Standing (SPS)
• Ensure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are reviewed within Compliance Meetings, and initiate remedial or disciplinary action when necessary, as outlined in the T&D Scheme

Relevant Skills and Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of compliance and IFA products
• In-depth understanding of FCA COBS/SYSC rules
• Solid grasp of legislation related to financial crime and other relevant regulations
• Strong technical expertise in capital markets, with exposure to fixed income research and commercial awareness being advantageous
• Thorough understanding of the regulatory environment, including laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance
• Proven ability to lead by example, supervise a compliance team, and support staff development
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of effectively engaging with staff and external stakeholders, including regulators
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Methodical approach with excellent attention to detail and thoroughness

This really is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious, energetic and motivated individual, to join an exciting and growing organisation who can offer job security, a competitive remuneration and an excellent benefits package along with a welcoming and friendly working environment.