We are partnering with a high-growth, FCA-authorised consumer finance business to appoint a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at a pivotal stage in its evolution. This is a board-level role with full ownership of enterprise risk and a clear pathway to SMF4 as the firm scales.

The Opportunity

This organisation operates at the intersection of fintech and retail finance, providing accessible point-of-sale lending solutions to a broad customer base, including underserved and near-prime segments. With significant growth ambitions and major regulatory change on the horizon, the CRO will play a critical role in shaping a scalable, forward-looking risk function.

This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role suited to an experienced risk professional who combines strong regulatory credibility with the ability to operate in a lean, fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Risk

• Own and evolve the enterprise-wide risk framework, including risk appetite and governance structures
• Deliver clear, insightful reporting to Board and Risk Committees
• Ensure alignment between UK operations and wider group risk standards

Credit Risk Oversight

• Provide independent second-line oversight of credit strategy and performance
• Monitor portfolio risk (arrears, defaults, concentrations) and challenge first-line decision-making
• Lead governance of credit models, including AI/ML decisioning frameworks

Regulatory & Conduct Risk

• Act as the primary senior contact for the FCA
• Own Consumer Duty and ensure strong customer outcomes, particularly for vulnerable segments
• Lead readiness for upcoming regulatory changes, including BNPL reforms

Operational & Technology Risk

• Oversee operational, cyber, fraud, and third-party risk
• Ensure resilience and governance across digital platforms and infrastructure

Strategic Risk

• Partner with the CEO and Board on growth initiatives, new products, and market expansion
• Protect and enhance the firm’s reputation with regulators, partners, and customers

About You

• Currently operating at CRO / SMF4 level (or ready to step into that accountability) within an FCA-regulated environment
• Deep expertise in consumer credit regulation (CONC, Consumer Duty, SMCR)
• Proven experience in credit risk within near-prime / underserved segments
• Strong track record of direct FCA engagement at a senior level
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a scaling business
• High levels of commercial judgement, regulatory credibility, and stakeholder influence

Why This Role?

• Opportunity to shape and build a scalable risk function from the ground up
• Direct exposure to Board and executive leadership
• Clear progression to SMF4 designation as the business grows
• A mission-driven organisation focused on financial inclusion and responsible lending

If you’re looking for a role where you can combine regulatory leadership, commercial impact, and real influence on business growth, this is a rare opportunity to step into a defining CRO position.