Head of Operations, Compliance & MLRO; SMF16 & SMF

We are a newly FCA-authorized investment advisory firm looking for an experienced professional for overseeing operations and as Head of Compliance (SMF 16) and MLRO (SMF 17). You will be the firm's senior operations and compliance officer — owning the framework, advising the Board, managing the FCA relationship, and building out AML/CTF controls.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the firm’s governance, regulatory culture, and risk framework as the business scales in the UK.

• Overseeing the operations of the UK business for the Firm
• Working closely with the Global COO team to oversee seamless business activity for the Firm

• Own the firm's compliance framework — policies, monitoring program, and controls across COBS, PRIN, SYSC, and MAR
• Prepare and submit FCA Reg Data returns (MIFIDPRU) and all periodic regulatory notifications
• Lead ICARA preparation: own funds, wind-down planning, stress testing, and Board sign-off
• Review and approve financial promotions; manage conflicts of interest and personal account dealing
• Act as primary liaison with the FCA — supervisory queries, s.165 information requests, and any skilled person reviews
• Enhance, execute and track the Compliance Monitoring Program (CMP), including reporting and remediation
• Maintain and embed SMCR governance, including Statements of Responsibilities and fitness & propriety

• Own the firm-wide risk assessment (FWRA) and AML/CTF policy suite in line with JMLSG Guidance (Sector
  7)
• Oversee CDD/EDD — onboarding risk assessments, source of wealth/funds, and beneficial ownership for higher-risk clients
• Receive, adjudicate, and file SARs to the NCA; manage DAML requests under POCA 2002
• Run sanctions screening (OFSI/HMT, UN, retained EU) and PEP identification and enhanced monitoring
• Manage FATCA and CRS self-certification and HMRC reporting under the International Tax Compliance Regulations 2015

• Experience in managing or willingness to step up to overseeing operations for an investment advisory firm in the UK
• Prior FCA approval as SMF 16 and/or SMF 17 — or demonstrable readiness to step up to a Deputy MLRO / Senior Compliance Manager level
• Strong working knowledge of the FCA Handbook (COBS, SYSC, PRIN, MAR, SUP) applied to an investment advisory firm
• Comfortable operating as a senior compliance officer in a lean, entrepreneurial, and growing environment

This role is subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime. Firm will fully support the candidate through the Form A process.