Risk Director

Risk Director

£ Good salary + Bonus + Benefits

London Area - Home Counties - Position On-site with Flexibility

Company Overview

Our client, a long-established broking & wealth management company authorised and regulated by the FCA, is seeking an experienced Risk Director to join their executive team. This position will occupy a board position and exercise considerable influence on the company, the Board and its attitude towards risk matters.

Role Summary

As Risk Director, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the company's risk management framework. This crucial role involves identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks that could affect the company's ability to achieve its objectives. You will ensure the company operates within its risk appetite and complies with regulatory requirements. You will have a seat on the Board as an Executive Director with also direct oversight of the Compliance Department. The role is categorised as SM&CR ROLE and must be approved by the FCA prior to starting a new position. Key Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management framework aligned with the company's strategic objectives
• Review and challenge the Risk Appetite and Risk Policies, making recommendations to the Board
• Establish appropriate risk limits consistent with the firm's Risk Appetite, liaising with the business
• Build and maintain an effective second line of defence risk function enabling independent challenge across the business
• Conduct regular risk assessments and stressed scenario analyses relevant to the business measuring severity of impact e.g. operational, settlement, wind down, compliance and reputation risks
• Establish processes and systems to monitor risks and report to senior management and the board
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure compliance with industry standards
• Own and maintain the firm's ICARA (Internal Capital Adequacy and Risk Assessment) ensuring heads of departments are instructed and directed to provide timely inputs into the ICARA.
• Embed any preventative measures which could be at odds with good risk management practice and remediate any possible weaknesses in policy or practice
• Provide risk management training to senior management and ensure it is disseminated to all staff levels across the business.
• Influence matters on effective corporate governance
• Advise on risk considerations in strategic planning and decision-making processes to ensure the business is aware of any potential impact
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships with internal and external stakeholders. e. g. clients, regulators, external consultants

Qualifications and Experience Required

If you are a seasoned risk management professional with a passion for driving excellence in financial services, we encourage you to apply for this challenging and rewarding opportunity. To be considered you must meet the following crucial criteria

• Prior experience in an SMF /approved person role or equivalent or at least relevant experience to gain FCA approval.
• Proven track record of success in senior executive-level risk management roles within financial services as applied to an investment firm. Fully aware of best practice standards and frameworks that guide and benchmark the company's risk management processes and outcomes.
• Extensive experience in implementing key risk management practices including any prior remediation or preventative risk measures to ensure good risk practice.
• In-depth knowledge of risk management principles and the regulatory environment in financial services.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and able to adapt a calm, logical approach to issues critically examining and evaluating information sources.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities including effectiveness under pressure, inspiring others and offering leadership in an effective and motivating way.
• Strategic thinking capabilities to align risk management with company goals and put a larger perspective to strategic advantage, considering wider industry, global trends or future developments.
• Proficiency in risk management software and tools.
• At least 10 years of senior-level experience in people leadership and extensive ability to work at Board level.
• Thorough understanding of FCA and regulatory requirements for investment firms.