Investec is a distinctive Specialist Bank serving clients principally in the UK and South Africa. Our culture gives us our edge: we work hard to find colleagues who'll think out of the ordinary and we put them in environments where they'll flourish. We combine a flat structure with a focus on internal mobility. If you can bring an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to learn and collaborate to your work, this could be the boost your career deserves.

Head of Risk and Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) (UK Office)

Team Description

You will be part of the UK-based Risk and Compliance function, working closely with Legal, Compliance, and Operational Risk teams in Switzerland.

Role Purpose

As Head of Risk and Compliance and MLRO (UK Office), you will lead the development and execution of the firm's compliance and risk management strategy. You will ensure adherence to FCA and Swiss regulatory requirements, oversee AML frameworks, and embed a culture of risk awareness across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Oversight (SMF16):

- Maintain and monitor compliance with FCA regulations, including SMCR, COBS, and SYSC.

- Implement a risk-based Compliance Monitoring Programme.

- Ensure policies, procedures, and controls are robust and regularly reviewed.

- Provide regulatory guidance and training to staff.

- Collaborate with Swiss compliance teams to ensure cross-border regulatory alignment.

Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17):

- Oversee AML systems and procedures in line with SYSC rules.

- Ensure timely and accurate reporting of suspicious activity.

- Deliver AML training and maintain high standards of governance.

- Liaise with regulators and ensure compliance with AML obligations.

Risk Management Oversight:

- Develop and maintain a risk management framework aligned with ISO standards.

- Continuously assess and improve risk controls and reporting.

- Promote a culture of risk awareness and secure stakeholder buy-in.

- Establish governance structures to support the firm's risk agenda.

- Manage personal account dealing register and approvals.

Other Responsibilities:

- Act as primary contact for regulators and auditors on compliance and risk matters.

- Advise senior leadership on emerging UK regulatory changes.

- Contribute to strategic planning as a member of the Executive Team.

Core Skills and Experience

- Experience  in regulatory compliance within wealth management.

- Strong financial crime compliance experience.

- Advanced knowledge of UK regulations and FCA reporting.

- Proven leadership in cross-jurisdictional regulatory risk.

- Familiarity with CRS, FATCA, AMLD5/6, SYSC 8, COBS, MiFID, MLR, SM&CR, GDPR.

- Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.

- Strategic thinker with a practical, solutions-oriented approach.

Desirable Attributes

- Recognised industry contributor in Compliance.

- Knowledge of Swiss and EU regulatory regimes.

- ICA, CISI or equivalent qualifications preferred.

Our Culture

At Investec, we value out-of-the-ordinary thinkers who bring energy, integrity, and tenacity. We foster a culture of diversity, flexibility, and challenge, where individuals are empowered to make a meaningful impact.

As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote.

Investec offers a range of wellbeing benefits to make our people feel healthier, balanced and more fulfilled in their lives inside and outside of work.

Here is a selection of what we offer;

Wellbeing

Wellbeing Subsidy, Corporate Gym Membership, Virtual GP, Peppy Health App (Fertility, Menopause and Early Parenthood), Optional Private Medical & Dental Insurance

Monetary

Non-contributory Pension & Discretionary Bonus

Life & Income Protection

Life Assurance, Critical Illness & Income Protection

Travel

Season Ticket Loan & Electric Vehicle Scheme 

Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. This creates an environment in which everyone is free to be themselves which helps to drive innovation, creativity and ultimately business performance. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It's a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation.

Research shows that some candidates can be reluctant to apply to a role unless they meet all the criteria. We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit here and welcome you to do the same – if the role excites you, please don't let our person specification hold you back. Get in touch!

Recite Me

We commit to ensure that everyone is fairly assessed during our recruitment process. To assist candidates in completing their application form, Recite Me assistive technology is available on our Careers pages. This can be accessed by clicking on the ‘Accessibility Options' link at the top of the page.

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If you have any form of disability or neurodivergent need and require further assistance in completing your application, please contact the Careers team at [email protected] who will be happy to assist.