Head of Compliance (SMF16)

Head of Compliance (SMF16) Fiducia Commercial Network

Remote working Full-time, part-time, or condensed hours considered

Competitive salary based on experience + performance-related bonus

Help shape the future of compliance at Fiducia Commercial Network

Are you an experienced compliance professional looking for a role where you can make a real impact?

We're looking for a Head of Compliance to lead our compliance function, shape our approach to regulatory oversight and play a key role in the continued development of Fiducia Commercial Network.

Reporting directly to the Group CEO and Board, you'll have the independence and authority to influence decisions, strengthen governance and oversee compliance across our Appointed Representative network.

With continued investment in our FiduciaOne platform, AI and automation, you'll also have the opportunity to help modernise how compliance is managed, using technology and data to improve monitoring, reporting and regulatory oversight.

About Fiducia Commercial Network

Fiducia Commercial Network is a trading style of The Fiducia Network Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 917537).

We operate in the commercial finance market, supporting a network of Appointed Representative firms.

What you'll be responsible for Compliance leadership and governance

• Hold the SMF16 Compliance Oversight function, subject to FCA approval, and maintain a clear Statement of Responsibilities.
• Take ownership of our compliance risk assessment, annual compliance plan and risk-based monitoring programme.
• Provide independent advice and reporting to the Board on regulatory obligations, compliance risks and breaches.
• Oversee the identification, escalation and resolution of compliance issues, including remediation activity.

Appointed Representative oversight

• Lead AR due diligence, onboarding and ongoing supervision.
• Maintain a risk-based approach to AR oversight, including enhanced monitoring where necessary.
• Ensure each AR undergoes a review at least every 12 months and lead the annual assessment of AR oversight arrangements.
• Oversee interventions and remediation, including training, enhanced monitoring, restrictions, suspensions and termination where appropriate.

Compliance monitoring and customer outcomes

• Design and deliver a monitoring programme covering file reviews, thematic reviews, broker assessments and AR visits.
• Lead the compliance team responsible for day-to-day file checking.
• Oversee Consumer Duty compliance, complaints handling, financial promotions, conflicts of interest and sales incentives.
• Monitor customer outcomes, identify foreseeable harm and prepare the annual Consumer Duty report for the Board.
• Use management information, dashboards and exception reporting to identify emerging risks and areas requiring improvement.

Regulatory reporting and FCA engagement

• Oversee the preparation, review, sign-off and submission of FCA regulatory returns, including FIN073, CCR001, CCR002, CCR009, REP025, REP008, complaints reporting and the Firm Details Attestation.
• Manage FCA notifications, regulatory correspondence and responses to enquiries.
• Oversee financial crime controls, including AML, sanctions and fraud, alongside data protection requirements.

People, processes and technology

• Lead and develop the compliance team, including oversight of external consultants or outsourced support.
• Interpret regulatory developments and translate requirements into appropriate policies, procedures and controls.
• Deliver compliance training to colleagues and AR firms.
• Work with the technology team to integrate compliance controls and reporting into FiduciaOne.
• Identify opportunities to use AI, automation and data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of compliance processes.

What you'll bring

We're looking for an experienced compliance professional with a strong understanding of FCA regulation, particularly within principal firms and Appointed Representative networks.

Qualifications and experience

• Approximately 5-10 years' experience in compliance or risk, including substantial senior-level responsibility.
• A recognised financial services compliance qualification, such as the ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance, or equivalent.
• Ability to meet the FCA's fit and proper requirements and obtain SMF16 approval.
• Strong working knowledge of the FCA Handbook, FSMA 2000, SM&CR and consumer credit rules (CONC).
• Experience within an FCA-regulated principal firm, intermediary, brokerage or AR network.
• Direct experience of AR due diligence, onboarding, supervision, monitoring and periodic reviews.
• Experience designing and delivering risk-based compliance monitoring programmes.
• Experience preparing and submitting FCA regulatory returns through RegData, including the CCR series and REP025.
• Experience leading compliance teams, external consultants or outsourced support.
• Confidence in presenting compliance matters and material risks to senior leadership and the Board.
• Experience managing regulatory enquiries, breaches, complaints and remediation programmes.
• Evidence of making difficult compliance decisions, including restricting activities, suspending brokers or terminating AR relationships.
• Experience in commercial finance or credit broking.

Personal qualities

You'll bring integrity, independence and sound judgement, with the confidence to challenge decisions and make difficult recommendations when necessary.

You'll be an effective communicator and leader, able to build strong working relationships without compromising regulatory standards.

You'll also take a practical, proportionate and commercially aware approach to compliance, using evidence to inform decisions and embracing opportunities to improve processes through technology.

What you can expect from us

• Salary dependent on experience, plus a performance-related bonus.
• Remote working, with full-time, part-time, or condensed hours considered
• Direct access to the Group CEO and Board.
• The opportunity to influence compliance strategy and contribute to the development of our systems and processes.