Job Introduction
To provide regulatory advice and support to help Handelsbanken plc meet its regulatory expectations.
The role requires a deep understanding of the UK regulatory environment, particularly FCA handbook obligations in relation to lending products.
You will need to be able to build strong relationships with the first line of defence and possess strong verbal and written skills to be able to communicate regulatory expectations.
The role will work closely with the first line of defence product teams to help design and maintain consumer focused, compliant products that drive great outcomes for our customers.
You will also need excellent knowledge of a variety of products spanning banking and lending and how regulatory standards apply to these products.
This role also has line management responsibilities for a number of Compliance Officers who together provide expert compliance advice and support to the first line of defence.
Main Responsibility
To provide regulatory advice, support and challenge to the first line of defence, particularly in the lending space
Primary focus is to obtain and maintain detailed knowledge of appropriate legislation, regulations and guidance published by UK, EU and other regulatory bodies relating to core lending products for individual and corporate customers. Knowledge on wider core banking products such as current accounts, cards, FX and interest rate derivatives beneficial.
To be able to clearly and articulate regulatory expectations and standards to Handelsbanken colleagues, both verbally and in writing. This is in relation to current business practices, new business initiatives and regulatory expectations.
To support the business in implementing regulatory change in a timely and compliant manner.
To advise and work with the 1LoD to design and implement controls to meet regulatory expectations.
To attend key governance committees and represent the compliance team by being able to effectively provide real time advice and effective challenge to stakeholders.
To report and escalate key regulatory risks to senior management and governance committees.
To work with wider 2nd line and 3rd line assurance functions to consider regulatory risks.
Provide input to compliance reporting for internal committees and external regulators.
Manage a team of compliance officers ensuring the business objectives are delivered and provide guidance and support where needed. Additionally support personal development and growth. Act as a role model and mentor for other members of the team.
To stay connected to the external regulatory bodies and industry groups.
The Ideal Candidate
- The individual should be ambitious and have strong communication (both written and verbal), reasoning and influencing skills, which are essential to develop and maintain strong working relationships.
- Deep working knowledge of the FCA rules contained within the High level Standards and Business Standards sections of the FCA Handbook.
- A strong understanding of the UK regulations and rulebooks specifically in relation to payment services and accounts. Additional understanding of the European requirements that apply would be beneficial.
- Good understading of conduct risk and consumer duty and how this impacts the Bank’s business
- Be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge of a full range of banking products and functionality for individual and corporate products
- Strong communication skills- both written and verbal to allow regulatory expectations to be communicated clearly to Handelsbanken colleagues.
- Strong problem solving and lateral thinking abilities.
- Experience from an appropriate compliance, regulatory or legal background is essential.
- Ability to manage a team through leadership skills, personal development and acting as a role model.
- Engage and build relationships with senior stakeholders and leadership teams.
- Sound judgement and strong decision making skills with the ability to see things through to resolution at all times.
- Proactive with regards to ownership and oversight of emerging and existing risks.
- An ability to self-manage, work proactively, using own initiative without needing direction, remain motivated and lead by example.
- Exceptionally strong focus on delivering timely and high quality customer service and advice.
About the Company
Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.
The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation.