Risk & Compliance Director

About this role

Aberdein Considine LLP is looking for a Risk and Compliance Director to lead our Compliance team. The Director will be responsible for all relevant regulatory and service delivery requirements and that they are met across all business areas in the firm. The successful candidate will also be responsible for maintaining the Training & Competence scheme in the Lender Services division, and for ensuring a high level of competence across the firm with particular focus on the FCA-regulated departments. They will hold the SMF16 (compliance oversight) for the firm and support the SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer). They will also consistently demonstrate values driven behaviour by showing genuine care for clients and colleagues, striving for excellence through going above and beyond and fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

The successful candidate will preferably be based in Glasgow; however, applications from candidates wishing to be based in Edinburgh will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Providing overall leadership of the firm's risk, compliance and regulatory framework to ensure ethical conduct, regulatory adherence and protection of consumers

Setting and promoting a firm wide culture of compliance, ethical behaviour and consumer focus, supporting Equity Partners in maintaining high professional standards

Ensuring the firm's services, processes and controls are designed and operated in accordance with Consumer Duty requirements, with the objective of delivering good customer outcomes and minimising consumer harm

Holding senior management responsibility for ensuring the firm complies with FCA requirements on systems, controls and senior management responsibilities

Ensuring the firm continues to meet FCA Threshold Conditions (COND) at all times

Providing leadership, direction and oversight to staff within the risk and compliance function to ensure effective delivery of regulatory assurance

Ensuring appropriate compliance frameworks, policies, procedures and systems are in place and reviewed regularly across all FCA regulated business activities

Ensuring advice, sales and advisory procedures are appropriately designed, implemented and followed across all regulated business areas

Ensuring accurate, complete and up to date compliance records are maintained to evidence regulatory compliance across all regulated activities

Maintaining full compliance with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, FCA Conduct Rules, Statements of Principle and Codes of Practice

Maintaining ongoing awareness of relevant regulatory, legislative, product and technical developments and ensuring the firm responds appropriately

Acting as the firm's senior point of contact with the FCA, managing the regulatory relationship openly and cooperatively and ensuring timely disclosure of material matters

Ensuring the firm is prepared to respond accurately and promptly to regulatory information requests, inspections and supervisory engagement

Ensuring management information relating to governance, risk and compliance is produced, reviewed and escalated appropriately, including identification of adverse trends or systemic issues

Ensuring all FCA notifications and regulatory returns are accurate, complete and submitted within required timeframes

Working closely with the CoLP and CoFA to ensure regulatory obligations under SRA rules are met and reported appropriately

Working with the firm's Money Laundering Reporting Officer to ensure robust systems, controls and oversight are in place to manage financial crime risks

Supporting the Data Protection Officer to ensure firm and client records are retained and managed in accordance with data protection and information security requirements

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Experience as SMF 16 in an FCA-regulated financial services organisation

Good knowledge and understanding of the FCA's reliance on senior management responsibility

Understanding of SMCR and the responsibilities associated with holding a Senior Manager function

Knowledge and understanding of FCA rules and regulation and the application to the business

Knowledge and understanding of the FCA permissions and the scope in which they can be applied

Experience in compliance operations

Understanding of the role of service providers to the financial services sector

Ability to compile reports, procedures and processes

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Excellent organisational skills

High levels of accuracy with an eye for detail

Desirable Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Experience of working within a law firm or other professional services firm

Experience of legal regulation, either Solicitors Regulation Authority or Law Society of Scotland

Ability to consider regulatory change and practical application

Excellent problem solving skills

Qualifications

Bachelor degree or equivalent (essential)

A professional qualification in the field of governance, risk and compliance is desirable

Level 4 financial qualification is desirable