A well-established and growing specialist lender is seeking an experienced Head of Risk & Compliance to lead and evolve its risk and compliance function. With a strong reputation in the UK property finance market and ambitious growth plans, this is a key leadership role offering real influence at executive level.

You will play a central role in ensuring the business operates within a robust regulatory framework while enabling commercial growth in a controlled, ethical, and sustainable way.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will take ownership of the firm’s risk and compliance strategy, overseeing all aspects of non-financial risk, financial crime, and data protection. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Board, you will ensure the business remains aligned with regulatory expectations while embedding a strong risk culture across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end-to-end risk and compliance function, including AML, financial crime, and data protection
• Act as Compliance Officer, MLRO and DPO, providing oversight and assurance across the business
• Develop and implement a risk strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans
• Oversee the Enterprise Risk Management Framework, including risk appetite, risk registers, and control assessments
• Provide strategic advice to the Board and Executive team on regulatory obligations and emerging risks
• Own regulatory relationships, acting as the primary contact for the FCA and other authorities
• Drive improvements in KYC, onboarding, and compliance monitoring processes
• Lead investigations into compliance issues, breaches, and complaints
• Ensure readiness for regulatory reviews, audits, and inspections
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing risk & compliance team
• Deliver training and promote a strong, business-wide risk culture

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior risk or compliance leadership role within financial services
• Strong knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks, ideally within lending or specialist finance
• Experience acting as or stepping into MLRO and/or DPO responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement risk and compliance frameworks
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board level
• A pragmatic, commercial approach to interpreting and applying regulation
• Leadership experience with a track record of building and developing teams
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. ICA, CISI) desirable

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a respected and growing organisation where risk and compliance are seen as key enablers of success. You will have the autonomy to shape frameworks, influence strategy, and build a function that supports both regulatory excellence and business growth.