Head of Compliance (SMF16 & SMF17) – London

About the role

As Head of Compliance you will lead the regulatory strategy for a fast‑growing boutique Independent Financial Adviser firm. You will hold the SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) functions, ensuring the business meets the highest FCA standards while supporting commercial growth.

Key responsibilities

• Hold SMF16 and SMF17 responsibilities, overseeing compliance and AML reporting.
• Review and approve higher‑risk advice cases, including complex pension, investment and inheritance planning.
• Lead monitoring, regulatory reporting, Consumer Duty oversight, and FCA submissions.
• Provide guidance, training and support to advisers, paraplanners and operational teams.
• Maintain and improve policies, governance frameworks, controls and regulatory processes.
• Support investment governance, complaints handling, GDPR compliance and ongoing regulatory enhancements.

Required profile

• Experience performing SMF16 and/or SMF17 duties within an Independent Financial Adviser environment.
• Strong knowledge of FCA Handbook, Consumer Duty, AML regulations, GDPR and financial promotions.
• Proven ability to develop monitoring programmes, conduct advice file reviews and produce regulatory reports such as RMAR submissions.
• Relevant financial planning and compliance qualifications with ongoing professional development.
• Experience using compliance technology and systems to improve oversight and reporting efficiency.

Required skills

What we offer

• Salary of £100,000 per annum.
• Hybrid working – three days in the London office and two days remote.
• Senior leadership position with genuine influence over business strategy and governance.
• Opportunity to shape a commercially focused compliance framework.
• Collaboration with experienced advisers and senior stakeholders in a growing boutique IFA business.