Job Introduction
Handelsbanken is a relationship bank built on trust, long-term thinking and local decision-making. We provide bespoke banking and wealth management services to personal and corporate customers,
Our decentralised model means decisions are made close to the customer, in our branches. Our central Functions teams play a vital role in supporting the branch network, providing the expertise, governance and infrastructure that enable branches to serve customers effectively and sustainably.
This approach had underpinned our success for decades. Handelsbanken is independently recognised as one of Europe’s safest commercial banks, holds the strongest credit rating among its peers and is consistently ranked highly for customer satisfaction and relationship banking.
Our culture is values-led, shaped by trust, respect, and long-term thinking. We empower our people to use their expertise, make confident decisions and build long-term careers. We look for people who share our long- term vision, want to grow and want to make a meaningful impact in their local community and with the Bank
We also recognise that flexibility can support people to perform at their best, and that it looks different for everyone. While arrangements will depend on the requirements of the role and the needs of the business, we are open to having a conversation around what flexibility could look like for you.
Check our Handelsbanken website for further information
The opportunity
As our bank continues to grow and pursue its strategic ambitions, our Compliance function is evolving to support the business through its next stage of development. We are looking for an ambitious, driven and forward-thinking compliance professional who wants to be part of that journey.
Providing technical regulatory advice to the business through proactive support and challenge, the role requires a deep understanding of the UK regulatory environment, specifically FCA obligations and Payment Services regulation.
As a mortgages SME your primary focus will be on mortgage products and MCOB regulations. You will have the opportunity to shape and influence our approach to product compliance, whilst gaining valuable exposure to a broader range of banking products e.g. banking, lending, credit, payments and investments.
An ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels across the business through a variety of subject matters, whilst ensuring the consistent delivery of good customer outcomes. Strong stakeholder engagement is required and the ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal skills.
Key responsibilities
- As a mortgage compliance SME you will provide regulatory advice, support and challenge to the 1LoD, ensuring the effective design and implementation of controls to meet regulatory expectations
- Maintain detailed knowledge of appropriate legislation, regulations and guidance published by UK and other regulatory bodies relating to mortgages primarily with other products also within scope e.g. current accounts, individual and corporate lending, cards, FX and interest rate derivatives
- To be able to clearly 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 new regulatory expectations
- Support the Head of Compliance Advisory to deliver the teams business objectives, and deputising for them when required
- To report and escalate key regulatory risks to senior management and governance committees and
- To work with wider 2nd line and 3rd line assurance functions to consider regulatory risks
- Undertake reporting requirements for internal committees and relevant regulatory returns to regulators
- Support the business through key change initiatives such as regulatory change, product enhancements and remediation projects as required
- Operates in line with the Bank's Risk Management framework (including sub-frameworks) and relevant risk and compliance policies and procedures, ensuring appropriate and timely escalation of any concerns to their line manager
What we’re looking for
Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…
- A strong understanding of the UK regulations/ rulebooks, specifically the FCA Conduct requirements
- Extensive working knowledge of FCA MCOB regulations and their practical application to mortgage products. Ideally you will hold a relevant mortgage qualification e.g. CeMAP and / or have worked in a similar compliance focussed role
- In addition, it would be desirable for the candidate to demonstrate appropriate knowledge of a full range of banking products and functionality for Individual and Corporate products and processes
- Experience interpreting regulatory changes and assessing their impact on existing and new mortgage products
- Ability to undertake MCOB compliance reviews and identify potential regulatory breaches
- Experience assessing mortgage product governance, customer disclosures, product suitability and fair value
- Strong understanding of Consumer Duty and its application across the product lifecycle and how good customer outcomes can be consistently delivered and measured
- An ambitious and resilient individual with strong communication, reasoning and influencing skills (both written and verbal) are essential to develop and maintain strong working relationships
- Sound judgement and strong decision making skills, based on the Bank’s core principles with the ability to see things through to resolution whilst taking ownership at all times
- Proactive with regards to ownership and oversight of emerging and existing risks
- An ability to self-manage, 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
Why join Handelsbanken
We want everyone at Handelsbanken to feel supported, motivated, and able to do great work. That’s why, alongside brilliant colleagues, meaningful work and training and development opportunities, we provide a variety of benefits designed with your wellbeing in mind.
In addition, there is a flexible benefits package with the key highlights detailed below.
Application next steps
Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken Talent Acquisition Partners will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if your experience aligns with our requirements, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.
This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.
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.
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