Chief Operating Officer (SMF24) – Wealth / Investment Management
London | Up to £140,000 base
We are working on a senior, FCA-regulated COO appointment within an established investment / wealth management business.
This is a designated SMF24 (Chief Operations Function) role under SMCR. Applicants must have previously held SMF24 within an FCA-authorised firm. This is not a “step-up” mandate — prior approval and direct accountability under the Senior Managers Regime is essential.
The business is at a meaningful inflection point. Having undertaken strategic change within its operating infrastructure, it now requires a COO who can rationalise complexity, strengthen oversight of outsourced arrangements, and industrialise processes across the front-to-back investment lifecycle.
Core mandate:
- Own and evolve the Target Operating Model within a regulated wealth/investment management environment
- Exercise robust oversight of key third-party providers and outsourced functions (including custody/clearing relationships)
- Embed strong operational governance aligned to SYSC requirements and Consumer Duty
- Take ultimate accountability for onboarding, AML/KYC, suitability oversight and first line controls
- Drive automation and workflow redesign across investment operations and client servicing
- Provide clear, board-level reporting on operational risk, service standards and transformation progress
The successful individual will bring:
- Proven track record as an approved SMF24
- Extensive experience within UK wealth or investment management
- Deep understanding of CASS, AML/KYC, Suitability and FCA supervisory expectations
- Demonstrable experience leading operational transformation and managing regulatory scrutiny
- Strong vendor governance and outsourcing oversight capability
- The authority and judgement to operate credibly at Board level
This is a hands-on, accountable COO position requiring someone comfortable challenging legacy processes while operating within a controlled, FCA-regulated framework.
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