Chief Risk Officer

My Client a large global financial services brand is looking for an experienced Chief Risk Officer on an Interim Basis. This Role is Hybrid (3 days onsite) and Inside IR35. Must be SMF 4 Accredited.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the FCA-approved SMF 4, holding personal accountability for the integrity and effectiveness of the UK risk management function.
• Lead the UK Enterprise Risk Management team, providing independent oversight of all key risk types including credit, market, liquidity, operational, conduct, compliance, privacy, model, technology, strategic, and reputational risks.
• Establish and maintain a Risk Governance Framework across the UK's Issuing and Acquiring Legal Entities, ensuring alignment with global standards and local regulatory requirements.
• Develop and oversee the Risk Appetite Framework, including risk tolerances, escalation thresholds, and metrics for all major risk stripes, in accordance with regulatory expectations.
• Advise and challenge the CEO, Board, and Risk Committee on current and emerging risk exposures, appetite adherence, and mitigation strategies.
• Promote a strong risk culture that emphasises integrity, transparency, and proactive risk management across all levels of the organisation.
• Provide oversight of internal control frameworks, including outsourcing risk, and ensure effective governance through participation in key committees.
• Establish objective processes and controls to validate the accuracy of risk information and analysis provided by business lines for reporting to senior management and the Board.
• Review and approve risk assessments for new products and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the risk appetite and regulatory standards.
• Monitor regulatory compliance with consumer protection provisions, Codes of Conduct, and public commitments, including enhanced disclosures and complaints handling.
• Represent the organisation in regulatory engagements with the FCA, PRA, and other bodies on risk-related matters, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with global and regional CROs and risk stripe leads, supporting consistency of standards and practices across international entities.
• Develop, mentor, and retain high-performing risk professionals, embedding a collaborative and forward-looking risk mindset across the enterprise.

Experience and Background

• Must hold SMF 4 Certified
• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in enterprise risk management, preferably within regulated financial institutions.
• Advanced degree in business, economics, engineering, statistics, or a related quantitative field; professional certifications such as FRM, CFA, are valued.
• Strong business acumen with a risk-reward control mindset and the ability to balance commercial objectives with sound risk management.
• Deep regulatory expertise, including familiarity with UK (FCA/PRA), and global frameworks (Basel, GDPR, Bank Act).
• Proven track record of regulatory engagement, including presenting risk governance matters to regulators and managing supervisory exams.