We are currently recruiting for a highly regarded Financial Planning practice in London who are looking to recruit a T&C Lead.
Purpose of Role
The role reports to the COO who sits at Group Executive Board level and carries regulatory responsibilities for T&C for the firm. The role is responsible for the operational running and development of the T&C function and the management of two senior and highly experienced T&C supervisors. The role offers freedom to develop the T&C function in a progressive way a high level of autonomy. The successful candidate will value the delivery of a high-quality service to adviser teams and have demonstrable experience supervising and building long-term relationships with high-performing advisers. We're looking for someone with a risk and evidence-based approach, able to balance the commercial needs of the business with regulatory responsibilities, who has proven experience in the strategic development of a T&C function in a growth environment and building effective and positive working relationships with advisers in an IFA setting. The role offers a great opportunity to influence and develop the T&C function.
Accountabilities
Strategic oversight and leadership of the T&C function
- Management of the company's T&C scheme, notably adviser supervision, adviser certification, adviser development and file checking, ensuring efficient and high-quality delivery of required T&C outcomes, making suggestions for improvement as required.
- Develop our T&C framework to provide oversight of new advisers, providing a clear path to competence that is in line with FCA T&C requirements, in a scalable way that can support our growth ambitions.
- Manage a team of supervisors to ensure delivery of required T&C outcomes.
- Arrange external T&C audits as necessary.
- Oversight and ownership of the internal and outsourced file review process, acting as a referral point for complex and/or sensitive issues.
- Build positive relationships with our advisers and their support staff, balancing commercial needs with regulatory responsibility.
- Organise, outsource, monitor or create professional development learning content as required, working closely with the Director of Wealth Planning to organise Learning & Development Meetings (LDMs) that meet the needs of our adviser community.
- Oversee T&C budgets and their deployment in conjunction with the COO.
- Maintain/implement methods for monitoring T&C activities as appropriate.
- Provide and develop appropriate Management Information reporting on an ongoing basis to meet our regulatory responsibilities under Consumer Duty, as well as for the Risk board as our third line of defence.
- Be a key point of contact for advisers requiring training and support in how they deliver advice within the framework.
- Oversight of annual Fit & Proper assessments and the adviser certification process under SMCR
- Oversee the procedures in place to measure competence and adapt as appropriate.
- Monitor and encourage adviser completion of periodic suitability reviews.
- Ensure training and development needs are identified and addressed.
- High level oversight of individual CPD records and Statements of Professional Standing across the business to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements. Responsibility for completion of CPD remains with the certified individuals and will be monitored by T&C supervisors.
- Creation of, and delivery of, strategic integration plans on the acquisition of new businesses and/or new adviser hires, recognising the experience levels of new staff.
- Oversight of new staff during induction and training to ensure they are delivering processes in line with company expectations, including delivery of Conduct Rules training.
- Help to ensure that non-advising approved persons are competent for the roles they undertake.
- Help to identify common development needs, trends and risks across the business, particularly in relation to the delivery of T&C, implementing change, supervision and monitoring as required.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of training delivered against the regulatory framework and internal measures.
Experience and Qualifications
The successful candidate will have/be:
- Experience of leading and developing T&C strategy in a growing business
- 3+ years' experience in a T&C management role in a relevant IFA business.
- A proactive and high-energy approach, with an eye on efficiency and tech developments
- A Level 4 qualification from the CII/CISI or equivalent is essential, Level 6 is desirable.
- An excellent understanding of the FCA T&C requirements and compliance
- A strong understanding and awareness of the UK financial conduct regulatory framework and translating this into practice.
- Strong interpersonal, influencing and communication skills across all levels of staff and senior management.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a high level of integrity and professionalism.
- Flexible in approach and a willingness to contribute to the development of the team and delivery of exceptionally high levels of service to the wider community.
Location London & home-working hybrid