Compliance Officer

Our Belfast based client are actively looking for a Compliance Officer to join their growing team. This role is an opportunity to join one of Northern Ireland’s few venture capital firms; authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with investments and clients throughout the UK. Within the role the main tasks of the successful candidate will mainly focus on ensuring the company maintains its status as an FCA authorized investment manager along with regulatory reporting to the FCA on a regular basis. Moreover, the successful candidate will ensure compliance with GDPR rules and Anti-Money laundering (AML) regulations. The compliance officer will also be involved in determining how the principles issued by the FCA and other regulatory authorities are met by the company.

Main Responsibilities

• Complete and submit SMCR filings to the FCA – fit and proper tests

• Compile and submit FCA RegData quarterly filings

• Review investor application forms to ensure appropriateness and AML compliance

• Monitor Appointed Representatives (AR) on a quarterly and annual basis and report to management on AR compliance. Provide training and assistance to ARs

• Review venture funds Section 21 documents, promotional materials, and websites to ensure FCA compliance

• Advise management on how best to maintain FCA compliance whilst meeting business objectives. Perform an annual or more frequent review of policies, codes, systems and controls, compliance manual, engagement letters etc.

• Communicate partnership policies to employees. This may involve helping to develop training materials

• Monitor sales processes, routinely checking paperwork and telephone recordings

• Approve advertisements for publication and broadcasting, making sure that they meet the Financial Promotion Order guidelines and in-house standards

• Investigate customer complaints and any suspected breaches of the rules, if necessary, liaising with Financial Ombudsman

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Desirable Criteria

• University degree

• Academic accreditation in sectors such as Financial Regulation or Compliance Management

• Interest in working within venture capital fund compliance

• At least two years relevant experience in FCA compliance roles, preferably in investment management or at the FCA

• Knowledge of alternative investment fund (“AIF”) FCA rules. A working knowledge of the Conduct of Business Sourcebook (“COBS”).

• Previous experience of engaging with and navigating FSMA 2000 and MiFiD II.

• Working knowledge of the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR and data privacy.

• Good communication skills, including listening, speaking and writing. Confident in dealing with stakeholders at all levels of the organization and directly with ARs.

• Broad technical knowledge of financial products and how they are sold.

• Enquiring, analytical mind

• Organized and work well under pressure.

• Be able to summarize legal information in a way that people can understand.

• Have excellent report writing skills. Contribute blogs.

• Be capable of working on several projects at one time.

• Be self-motivated and have good teamwork skills.

• Willingness to continually update knowledge i.e., attend webinars, training days etc.

• Have a positive and confident attitude.

• Travel to London or other parts of the UK on an occasional basis may be required.