Head of Risk & Compliance

The Opportunity

An established and growing UK financial services business is looking for an experienced Head of Risk & Compliance to join its senior leadership team.

This is a broad, influential role with responsibility for shaping and developing the organisation's risk, compliance and financial crime frameworks, while providing independent oversight and constructive challenge across the business.

The successful candidate will have genuine influence at both Executive and Board level, helping to build a strong risk culture and ensuring the business continues to meet its regulatory obligations as it evolves.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the organisation's Risk & Compliance framework and second-line oversight.
• Provide senior-level oversight across operational, conduct, change, reputational and financial crime risks.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the UK regulatory environment and ensure the business remains compliant with relevant requirements.
• Act as MLRO, overseeing AML, fraud and financial crime arrangements.
• Develop and deliver effective compliance monitoring, thematic reviews, policies and procedures.
• Provide meaningful risk insight, MI and recommendations to senior stakeholders and the Board.
• Support the business with SMCR, conduct risk, training and broader risk awareness.
• Maintain effective relationships with regulators, internal audit providers and other external stakeholders.
• Lead and develop the Risk & Compliance function, while remaining comfortable taking a hands-on approach where required.

About You

We're looking for someone with:

• Proven senior-level Risk & Compliance experience within a UK regulated financial services environment.
• Ideally, experience within mortgage lending or the wider UK mortgage sector.
• Strong knowledge of MCOB, SMCR, AML and financial crime requirements.
• Experience operating at Board and Executive level, with the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
• Previous MLRO experience and the ability to operate with appropriate independence and authority.
• Internal audit and compliance monitoring experience.
• A commercially minded, pragmatic approach with strong communication skills.
• The drive to challenge established thinking and help build a positive, proactive risk culture.

Why Consider It?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile Risk & Compliance function, working closely with senior leadership and the Board while having genuine scope to shape the organisation's approach to risk and regulation.