Head of Compliance

Applied Intuition Inc.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial services firm in Greater London is seeking a Head of Compliance to ensure regulatory adherence while fostering a culture of integrity. You will design and oversee a robust compliance framework, act as a key liaison with regulatory bodies, and provide guidance to senior management. Ideal candidates will possess extensive knowledge of FCA regulations, strong leadership skills, and be qualified to at least CII Level 4. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits, along with a hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Hybrid working flexibility

Company pension

Private medical insurance

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior compliance role with financial advice.
• Proficiency in Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).
• Experience in Training & Competency supervision.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with regulations and manage SMF16 function.
• Develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.
• Act as the liaison with regulatory bodies.

Skills

Familiarity with FCA regulations

Leadership and management skills

Analytical mindset

Strong communication skills

Experience with MIFIDPRU and UCITS firms

Education

CII Level 4 qualification

Job description

We're looking for a Head of Compliance, who can help us on our mission to build financial resilience and wealth for everyone.

You will play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving a culture of integrity. You will be part of a fast-paced, tech‑led and innovative environment. If you are passionate about compliance, thrive in a collaborative setting we would love to hear from you.

About Octopus Money

🐙 We’re on a mission to transform millions of lives by building financial resilience and wealth for everyone 🐙

Money shapes every part of life. Yet most people never get the support they need:

• Half of Brits reach retirement age without enough to live the life they want
• Financial stress is a leading cause of poor mental health
• Only 8% of people have access to 1‑to‑1 financial advice

There’s no shortage of information. What people actually need is clarity, guidance and a plan that makes sense for them.

That’s where we come in.

Octopus Money brings together financial planning, investment expertise and smart technology so people can understand their options and take action with confidence. We help people build a clear plan for their savings, investments and pensions and make investing simple with managed portfolios built by experts. We also support employers who want their teams to feel more secure and in control.

Some people need regulated advice. Others need coaching. Many need both at different points in life. Our service adapts to what each person needs.

We believe everyone deserves money support that works for real life.

The role and opportunity

The Head of Compliance (SMF16) will play a critical role in ensuring that Octopus Money operates within the framework of all applicable regulations and standards. This is a senior role and will involve designing, implementing and managing a robust compliance framework that supports our strategic objectives while mitigating regulatory risks. The successful candidate will act as the primary contact with regulatory bodies and oversee all aspects of compliance, including monitoring, reporting and advisory functions.

Key responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the firm’s compliance with the regulatory framework, fulfilling the SMF16 function under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR)
• Develop, implement and maintain the firm’s compliance policies, procedures, and systems to ensure alignment with relevant laws and regulations (e.g., FCA Handbook)
• Provide expert advice and guidance to the Board, senior management and business units on compliance matters
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the organisation, ensuring timely updates to policies and practices
• Foster a culture of compliance awareness and accountability across the organisation
• Conduct regular compliance monitoring reviews, identify gaps and implement remedial actions
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, including preparing and submitting reports, handling inspections and responding to inquiries
• Oversee regulatory training programs for employees to enhance understanding of compliance obligations
• Collaborate with internal audit, risk management and other control functions to ensure a coordinated approach to governance
• Prepare and present compliance reports to the Board and relevant committees
• Work with the wider Octopus Group Risk and Compliance functions
• Oversee financial advice propositions and work with core financial advice teams, including wealth planning and digital advice
• Support merger and acquisitions workstreams on all compliance related topics
• Oversee and support training and competence functions in the delivery of effective competence across regulated financial advice and non regulated financial coaching
• Own and maintain compliance with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, ensuring group companies continue to apply the scheme effectively
• Oversee and contribute to the firm’s financial promotions framework

We value people who

Make every conversation matter

You care about how you make people feel. You communicate clearly, listen well and build trust with customers and colleagues. You want every interaction to move things forward.

Move with urgency and focus

You like getting stuck in. You care about making progress, not perfection. You stay focused on what matters, learn quickly and find smart ways to keep things moving.

Own it

You take responsibility for your work and the outcomes it creates. You’re comfortable solving problems, making decisions and tackling challenges head on. You hold yourself to a high standard and want to make a real impact.

Skills and experience

If you are a current holder of SMF16 responsibilities that's ideal. However, what's more important is proven experience in a senior compliance role in financial advice – specifically with exposure to investments and pensions and the below:

• Extensive knowledge of UK regulatory requirements, including the FCA frameworks
• Strong understanding of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR)
• Exceptional leadership and management skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to problem‑solving and risk mitigation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You are able to make complex subjects straightforward
• Proven experience working with MIFIDPRU and UCITS firms, including expertise in discretionary fund management
• Prior experience in Training & Competency supervision
• Qualified to a minimum CII Level 4 (or equivalent Pension and Investment Advice qualification)

Kindly note that the Head of Compliance is subject to the SMF16 vetting process being approved by the FCA.

In return for your contribution we offer

Base salary of £90,000 - £110,000 DOE + benefits.

We want people to grow here, to feel supported and to feel proud of the impact they make.

You’ll get

• Hybrid working with 2 days at home each week (Monday and Friday)
• 18 days a year working from anywhere (for non‑regulated roles)
• Being part of Octopus we benefit from the group share incentive plan. In addition, for those who are not commission based we offer a team bonus provided we meet our team goals.
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Birthday day off
• A supportive team who care about what they do
• The chance to help people improve their lives

Please note, as a regulated business we are required to run background checks for all employees which covers adverse financial and unspent convictions. These will only take place upon a successful job offer.

About Octopus Group

We’re part of the Octopus Group: a privately‑owned business that’s been doing things differently for 25 years. Octopus sets out to build businesses that will outlive us and create a better world for future generations, including brands such as Octopus Energy, Octopus Investments and Octopus Legacy.

We believe in equal financial education for everybody, no matter their background. We pride ourselves on building an inclusive working environment where diversity is celebrated.

We do not and never will discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you require support completing your application please contact Luke Stepney, Head of Talent at [e-mail].

We are committed to providing a fair and accessible recruitment process. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments you may need to assist you with your application or during the interview stage. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the application process please state here, alternatively you can leave it blank. You will have another opportunity to state any adjustments if you are invited to interview.

Please note – we do not have a sponsorship license so are unable to sponsor applicants.