MERJE have been exclusively instructed to support a new start-up Fintech lending firm in their search for a Chief Compliance Officer.

You will:

• Oversee compliance processes and providing input on new product launches to ensure they are compliant with relevant legislation
• Provide leadership of internal committees covering all relevant areas of compliance & risk (conduct risk, credit risk, operational risk, financial crime, regulatory compliance, product approval etc.. )
• Liaise with the board and risk committee to ensure a robust organisational governance structure
• Horizon scanning of relevant legislation impacting the firm
• Undertake MLRO responsibilities/acting as SMF17
• Provide ownership of compliance monitoring plan
• Liaise with regulatory bodies
• Review and approval of financial promotions / marketing & distribution
• Lead the build out of the team and the risk & compliance infrastructure in line with growth

Requirements:

• Operated as an SMF16 & SM17 in a lending or consumer business
• Strong understanding of the FCA Handbook (particularly CONC, COBS, SYSC, COND, PRIN, PROD, DISP and SMCR)
• Experience of product governance with a good understanding of consumer duty
• Strong team player
• Excited to help build a fintech from the ground up

This is a hands-on, senior leadership position with SMF 16 & 17 accountability, giving you formal regulatory responsibility for both the compliance and risk functions. You’ll shape policies, frameworks, and risk culture at the ground level and play a key role in ensuring regulatory standards are embedded throughout the business.

▪️ Meaningful equity in a high-growth business — a chance to benefit as the company scales.

▪️ Influence over key risk and compliance decisions in a startup environment.

▪️ Work with a forward-thinking team delivering market-first fintech solutions.

Applicants must be located and eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Please note, should feedback not be received within 28 days, unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful. In applying for this role, you may be registered on our database so we can contact you about suitable opportunities in future. Your data will be managed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website.

If you would like this job advertisement in an alternative format, please contact MERJE directly.