Senior Compliance Officer

Insurance Network; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000

Job description

Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Are you a seasoned compliance professional with a strong background in financial services? Do you thrive in a structured environment and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team? If so, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview:

As a Senior Compliance Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our adherence to regulatory standards and best practices. You will take charge of monitoring tasks outlined in the Department’s Compliance Monitoring Plan, conduct thorough file reviews, and produce detailed compliance reports. Your expertise will guide our compliance strategies across various functions, helping to mitigate risk and foster a culture of compliance throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complete monitoring and operational tasks as per the Compliance Monitoring Plan.
• Conduct file reviews, document outcomes, and provide constructive feedback to Advisers and support staff.
• Produce compliance reports and manage the complaints handling process from investigation to conclusion, including Root Cause Analysis.
• Analyse management information and address ad hoc KYC/CDD queries, including sanction matches.
• Conduct suspicious activity investigations and manage NCA reporting.
• Evaluate jurisdiction risk and compile the annual Country Risk Assessment.
• Complete the Company-wide Financial Crime Risk Assessment and submit FCA returns on Connect and RegData.
• Conduct FIT & Proper Checks and update the FCA Directory and SMCR tasks.
• Assist with Data Protection activities and maintain the processing register.
• Approve standard documents and financial promotions, and support the Product Governance Regime.
• Engage in horizon scanning and assist with regulatory change management.
• Support the Compliance & Operations Director in updating departmental policies, internal audits, and training initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills Requirements:

Essential:

• Adequate knowledge of FCA regulations, including Consumer Duty and Product Governance, as well as Financial Crime regulations.
• Proven experience in financial services, specifically in mortgages and protection sectors.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to present effectively to varied audiences.
• Outstanding analytical skills and attention to detail, with a capability to work in a structured manner.
• Proficient in writing reports and performing gap analysis.
• A collaborative team player who contributes enthusiasm and innovative ideas, while also being capable of working independently.
• Experience in supervising, training, and coaching team members.
• Proficient IT skills relevant to the role.
• Relevant qualifications for involved business areas, e.g., CeMAP (or equivalent), RO5, QCF Level 4 in Wealth Management.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Data Protection Legislation.
• Understanding of consumer credit, business finance, and general insurance.
• Familiarity with wealth management products, including pensions and investments.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new.

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges.

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

Permanent