Compliance Officer

Company Description

Crown Agents Bank is a vastly growing and regulated UK bank that connects emerging and frontier markets to the rest of the world, using FX and payments technology. We are transforming the way payments and FX move through emerging markets, reducing friction so that more money gets to those who need it. Emerging markets payments are usually challenging, expensive, unreliable and opaque. Our solutions help fix these pain points. Ultimately, we connect traditionally hard-to-reach regions to global financial infrastructure, giving access to the best prices and the fastest, most reliable settlement.

FX and cross-border payments are often complex and expensive, especially when operating in emerging markets. Crown Agents Bank (CAB) wraps its deep and trusted relationships and strength of network around innovative digital capabilities, and cross-border transaction banking solutions to enable fintech, corporates, governments, development organisations and banks to move money to, from, and across often hard-to-reach markets.

Job Description

To enhance and maintain the compliance culture and risk management framework for Crown Agents Bank (CAB), including but not limited to:

• Governance, compliance advisory, compliance training, regulatory change management, reviewing financial promotions, providing 2nd line challenge, reviewing new products, reviewing SMCR requirements, and conducting monitoring and testing as required under the Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP).
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant FCA and PRA regulations, including those relating to the bank’s permissions (e.g., deposit-taking, payment services, foreign exchange, derivatives, and other regulated activities).
• Supporting the bank’s activities in derivatives and structured products, ensuring robust controls and compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., EMIR, MiFID II, FCA Conduct of Business Sourcebook).

Role Responsibilities:

• Maintain and enhance the CAB Compliance Risk Management Framework, embedding it across all business areas.
• Complete monitoring and testing as required under the CMP, including thematic reviews of derivatives and other complex products.
• Report findings of monitoring and testing, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Monitor compliance with, and embed a culture of, compliance in line with FCA and PRA rules and expectations.
• Design and deliver compliance training, including on derivatives, market conduct, and new regulatory developments.
• Provide meaningful compliance and conduct-related management information (MI).
• Maintain and report appropriate MI, continually enhancing compliance reporting.
• Ensure timely and effective resolution of compliance issues.
• Review and update compliance risk policies, ensuring they reflect current regulatory requirements and are uploaded to Riskonnect.
• Work with stakeholders to develop and enhance controls, especially in areas relating to the bank’s FCA permissions (e.g., client money, safeguarding, anti-money laundering, derivatives trading).
• Manage SMF/Certified registration and Directory Persons on Connect.
• Coordinate internal and external attestations, including the annual Fit & Proper attestation.
• Review and approve financial promotions and client communications.
• Advise on regulatory requirements for new products and services, including derivatives.
• Support regulatory reporting and respond to information requests from the FCA, PRA, and other authorities.
• Maintain awareness of regulatory developments affecting the bank’s permissions and business model, including those relating to derivatives and capital markets activities.
• Provide compliance advisory support to front office and support functions, with a focus on derivatives, FX, and payment services.
• Support the implementation of new regulatory requirements (e.g., EMIR, MiFID II, SMCR, AMLD).
• Participate in industry forums and maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in compliance and derivatives regulation.

Qualifications

• Degree or Equivalent Level. Professional or industry qualification preferred (e.g., ICA, CISI, or equivalent).

Experience:

• Proven knowledge of UK financial services and the regulatory framework (FCA/PRA).
• At least three years’ experience in compliance, risk management, or a related field.
• Demonstrable knowledge of regulatory and conduct risk.
• Experience with compliance monitoring, policy development, and regulatory submissions.
• Experience interpreting and applying Payment Services Regulations (PSR), including oversight of payment services and e-money activities.
• Familiarity with derivatives regulation, including EMIR, MiFID II, and associated reporting and risk management requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Provides constructive and appropriate challenge.
• Capable of enhancing and maintaining risk management systems and controls

Additional Information

• Hybrid working
• Contributory personal pension plan: - Minimum: Employee 2% and Employer 7%. Employer matches contributions in 1% increments to a maximum of: Employee 5% and Employer 10%
• Life Assurance – 4 times annual salary
• Group Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance – this may include cover for partner and or children at company cost. Cover includes Optical, Dental and Audiology
• Discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Annual Leave
• 2 Volunteering Days
• Benefit Hub