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Head of Compliance
Head of Compliance & MLRO (SMF16 & SMF17)
London | FCA Regulated Brokerage
Salary: Up to £100,000 Base + Benefits
The Opportunity
An FCA authorised London-based brokerage is seeking a Head of Compliance & MLRO (SMF16 & SMF17) to lead its compliance function as it enters a new phase of strategic growth.
The firm operates on a professional-client-only basis and is currently expanding its product permissions, including an upcoming variation of permissions to introduce CFDs.
This is a genuine step-up opportunity for a Deputy Head of Compliance or Senior Compliance Manager within an FX/CFD brokerage environment who is ready to assume full SMF accountability.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Board, you will:
• Serve as SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO)
• Act as adviser to the Board and Senior Management on regulatory matters
• Maintain and enhance the firm’s compliance framework (SYSC, COBS, MAR)
• Oversee AML/CTF policies, risk assessments, KYC and transaction monitoring
• Act as primary contact with the FCA and regulatory bodies
• Lead regulatory submissions and variation of permissions applications
• Produce and present compliance and AML MI to the Board
• Conduct internal reviews, testing and gap analysis
• Monitor regulatory developments and implement required changes
• Provide compliance oversight on new products, marketing and partnerships
The Business Environment
• FCA regulated brokerage
• Professional clients only (no retail book)
• Lean London team (currently 7 employees, scaling to c.10)
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative culture
• Direct access to senior stakeholders
• Low bureaucracy, high ownership
• Existing framework in place — not starting from scratch
• Opportunity to streamline, enhance and shape the function
This role combines regulatory accountability with strategic involvement. The successful candidate will have autonomy and influence across the business.
The Ideal Candidate
This role is particularly well suited to:
• Deputy MLRO
• Deputy Head of Compliance
• Senior Compliance Manager within an FX/CFD brokerage
• Individuals ready for their first SMF16/17 appointment
You will have:
• Brokerage experience (FX / CFDs preferred)
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory framework (FCA, SYSC, COBS, MAR)
• Solid AML & financial crime oversight experience
• Experience presenting to senior stakeholders
• A pragmatic, commercially aware approach
• High integrity and strong ethical standards
• Credibility to obtain FCA SMF approval
Investment compliance qualifications (CISI / ICA) desirable but not essential.
Compensation & Working Model
• Base salary up to £100,000
• Pension + Private Healthcare
• Discretionary bonus
• 4 days office / 1 day remote
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to:
• Secure your first SMF seat
• Lead regulatory expansion projects
• Shape a compliance function
• Operate in a professional-client environment
• Gain real strategic exposure
• Join a stable, collaborative and long-term focused team
This is not a high-volume retail brokerage environment. It is a focused, growth-stage business seeking a technically strong, commercially pragmatic compliance leader ready to step up.
For a confidential discussion, please apply or contact ne@barclaysimpson.com
Discover leading jobs with Barclay Simpson, the global recruitment specialists: https://www.barclaysimpson.com/specialisms/compliance-jobs/
This job was published by Barclay Simpson: https://www.barclaysimpson.com/job/head-of-compliance-3/
We seek individuals from a diverse talent pool and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply to our vacancies. Our commitment to fair recruitment processes means that we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of their lived experience or personal characteristics. We also invite applicants who meet most of the listed requirements, even if not all, to apply. If you require any adjustments to the application process, please let us know.
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