Senior Compliance Consultant

About the role

We all know the traditional view of a compliance consultant in financial services is that they are the "get the files out, get the red marker pen and tell a firm what they have done wrong" person. Well, not here at Verve. We recognise the imperative and positive impact compliance has on a business and understand the consequences of getting that wrong. We also offer a fair and personalised approach to a business, banishing tickboxes in favour of proportionate and relevant approaches. You can read more on our views on it here.

The role of the senior compliance consultant is to work with firms on an tailored basis, supplying compliance support applicable specifically to them. The regulator consistently tells us that firms should apply certain regulations (cough Consumer Duty cough) on a proportionate basis, so the role of the consultant is to build a relationship, understand a firm and look at implementing policies that complements the business.

The consultant role sits within the compliance team within Verve, providing hands-on, proactive support with a common-sense approach. We are in the process of expanding the compliance consultancy team and this role is an exciting and integral one to our future developments.

The role includes:

• Delivering, predominantly remote, compliance support to financial planning firms who have (or are looking to have) DFM / Platform permissions.
• Preparing and assisting with regulatory applications inclusive of; Directly Authorised (Article 3 MiFID Exempt or MIFIDPRU), Variation of Permission, SMF Applications, Change in Control.
• Reviewing and appraising existing compliance documentation (including ICARA) and suggesting amendments.
• Conducting compliance and risk audits for firms.
• Developing the compliance proposition to ensure we cover every touch point of compliance within regulated businesses.
• Hosting internal and external training sessions on regulatory hot topics.

About you

We’re looking for someone with an understanding of the financial services world, particularly those that have (or would like to have) platform or discretionary permissions.

Yes, our clients are primarily financial planners, but an understanding of how different entities operate within financial services, and the frustrations firms currently have is key.

Therefore, we request applicants have;

• Compliance experience working with firms that have discretionary / platform permissions. This could be along the lines of internal compliance management, or external consultancy.
• Whilst the experience is essential, we are also focused on finding an individual with the ability to apply it in a common-sense way, and not just ticking boxes!
• Deep understanding of current legislation, regulation (MIFIDPRU), and the challenges firms have.
• A minimum of level 4 qualification, either in compliance or in financial services.
• Above all, we love someone with a positive attitude who likes a challenge and isn’t afraid to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in with the team

About us

Verve offers a range of services to financial planners and ultimately works towards two key aims; to help support good quality financial advice firms to grow and develop, and to attract new people into financial services and help train them up, for the benefit of the future of the profession.

Across all departments, we approach financial services with a innovative and positive outlook; our focus is on relentlessly improving and never settling for just doing what has always been done. We're passionate that more people can and should benefit from advice, and it's our mission to make it more accessible for them.

We offer a range of benefits to permanent employees to ensure our team feels supported and motivated. We value loyalty and offer enhanced benefits to reward employees who choose to grow their career with us, but as standard these include…

Standard benefits (based on a full time position)

• 21 days basic holiday allowance (increasing 1 day per year for each year’s service, to a max of 26 days); plus bank holidays; plus Christmas close-down and your birthday off if it falls on a weekday.
• Personal development budget (for exams, training, anything to help you excel.
• Personalised salary structure to reflect your own effort and contribution along with depth of existing experience and knowledge.
• Hybrid or fully remote options available, depending on location and experience.
• Access to lifestyle benefits such as meditation app, high street discount & rewards app and financial wellbeing platform.
• Death in service cover.
• Upon completion of a qualifying period, we offer an EMI share scheme, allowing to benefit both from declared dividends and long term performance returns.
• At the same time, you will become eligible for our enhanced parental leave benefits.

Anything else?

• We've never been a fan of a dress code. Dress appropriately for a workplace environment, but have the flexibility for that to be whatever you feel comfortable in.
• Extensive health and wellbeing programme and initiatives, including desk massages, team hikes and yoga / fitness sessions.
• Being part of a company with a higher purpose and strong values.
• Office snacks and refreshments
  
• Open plan ‘living office’ environment – including rocking (or sometimes dubious) playlists, beer/wine fridge, breakout lounge, breakfast club, ping pong table.
• 2 official annual company parties, plus ad hoc team nights out and monthly enrichment sessions
• Office dogs welcome!