Head of Risk & Compliance

At the forefront of using investment portfolios as security for access to credit, Firenze is emerging as the category defining leader in what is known as “Lombard lending”. We already work with some of the UK’s leading wealth management firms to unlock access to what has historically only been available to UHNW clients of private banks.Backed by top tier investors and with significant ambitions to scale (both in the UK and ultimately internationally), Firenze is continuing to scale the team and seeking a Head of Risk & Compliance as we move from undertaking 60h exempt lending to applying for a CCA authorisation. The Head of Risk & Compliance is a senior role, reporting direct to the CEO, to build on the existing governance foundations and scale a robust risk & compliance function at the strategic heart of the business.Required Experience & QualificationsStrong understanding of the FCA Handbook (particularly CONC, COBS, SYSC, COND, PRIN, PROD, DISP and SMCR) & relevant legislation (particularly Consumer Credit Act, Regulated Activities Order, Financial Promotions Order and Money Laundering Regulations)Financial crime leadership experience having previously been a SMF17 (MLRO) or significant experience as a deputy MLRO with clear capability and appetite to be appointed as Firenze's SMF17Experience with lending to consumers in either a private banking/HNW context or a CCA regulated environment with the ability to engage confidently on credit structuring, disclosures, affordability, and conduct risk trade-offsExperience of product governance with a good understanding of consumer dutyGood understanding of and interest in financial markets and investment productsExperience of governance in a regulated firmA desire to have a high impact in an early stage growth firm, ensuring good governance goes hand in hand with scalingIntellectually curious and willing to keep constantly learningRoll‑up sleeves attitude to get stuck in to a variety of areas as the team scalesHappy to be in either the Manchester or London office at least 2 days a week (and willing to commute to London periodically if Manchester based)Desired RequirementsHave previously been a SMF16 or acted in a supporting role to a SMF16 role holder in a Consumer Credit firmExperience of working with wealth management and/or investment platforms and overseeing retail distributionSpecific experience of Lombard lendingExperience of working within a fintech/start‑up environmentHave successfully put together a regulatory business plan and supporting policies for an FCA licence related to credit activitiesLegal or legal‑adjacent experienceExperience reviewing/approving financial promotionsUnderstanding of/experience with CRR/Basel RulesUnderstanding of different financing arrangements/experience of collaborating with third‑party fundersExperience having worked in multiple jurisdictionsResponsibilitiesOverall responsibility for ensuring Firenze’s Lombard lending solution is delivered in a compliant and customer focused wayUndertaking MLRO responsibilities/acting as SMF17 and building on existing processes on combatting financial crime, KYC/AML reviews, EDD and transaction monitoringReview of existing products and processes and oversight of new product launches to ensure they, and their distribution processes, are compliant with relevant legislation and guidance (eg. CCA, CONC, Consumer Duty)Leadership of internal committees covering various risk & compliance areas (eg. conduct risk, credit risk, operational risk, financial crime, regulatory compliance, product approval etc.)Liaising with the board and board risk committee to ensure a robust overall organisational governance structureHorizon scanning of relevant legislation impacting Firenze, our lending solution and our distribution partnersOwnership of compliance monitoring plan & ensuring strong compliance framework throughout Firenze2LoD monitoring of Firenze employees and oversight/monitoring of wealth management distribution channelsTraining & support for Firenze employees and supporting the training of external distributorsLiaising with regulatory bodies (particularly with the FCA)Collaborate with third‑party funders on risk & governance oversightReview and approval of financial promotionsLead the build out of the team and the risk & compliance infrastructure in line with growth to ensure a scaling of robust governanceWhat’s in it for you?A career defining role where you will play an instrumental role in scaling a category leading fintech companyA leadership role in a business that puts risk & compliance central to decision making and an opportunity for significant influence in overall business strategyGrowth opportunity where you will be able to push yourself through new experiences & developing new skillsOpportunity to build and scale your own team and to be pivotal in international expansionInitial base salary of £100k+ if meet essential requirements and potential for £150k+ if meets desired requirementsMeaningful equity in a high growth business backed by leading investors and with the potential to make outsized equity upsideTransparent growth of benefits & team bonuses in line with business milestonesCollaborative environment with high quality colleagues that push, challenge & support each otherHow to applyIf you’re excited about finding out if it is a mutual fit then please apply via LinkedIn, the website or send your CV to hello@firenzeme.com.Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Firenze by 2x. #J-18808-Ljbffr