British International Investment (BII) is the UK’s leading development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government. Our primary mission is to address global development challenges through strategic investments that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
BII focuses on catalysing economic development, creating jobs, and building resilient economies in some of the world's most complex and underserved markets. We invest in businesses and projects that prioritise inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and innovation.
Our approach is characterised by rigorous investment standards, high governance principles, and a commitment to delivering measurable development impact. Our team consists of highly skilled and passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible difference globally.
We foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment that values curiosity, innovation, and professional growth. Our culture balances high performance with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, ensuring our employees can achieve their full potential while contributing to our mission.
BII at a glance
Over 75 years supporting sustainable business growth in developing and emerging markets
More than £9.9 billion in net assets
1,600+ businesses invested in
950,000+ workers in the businesses we support
650+ people in our diverse global team
Team and role overview
The Head of Regulatory Compliance is a newly‑created senior leadership role responsible for supporting the Head of Compliance & MLRO in delivering effective regulatory oversight across the organisation’s global footprint. The role provides strategic direction, expert regulatory guidance, and leadership within the Regulatory Compliance function, including managing a team of compliance officers, ensuring BII meets its regulatory obligations in the UK and overseas jurisdictions such as Africa and Asia where BII operates or intends to operate. This role excludes Financial Crime work.
Purpose
This role is central to shaping the Compliance Target Operating Model and strategy, embedding a strong regulatory culture, and ensuring the organisation proactively anticipates and manages regulatory risks across complex and higher‑risk markets.
Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Management
- Working with the Head of Compliance & MLRO, leading the Regulatory Compliance vertical, providing advisory support to the business and managing a sub‑team of approximately 4.
- Proactively deliver on Regulatory Compliance priorities in collaboration with the Head of Compliance & MLRO.
- Foster a team culture of responsibility, accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- UK & Global Regulatory Compliance Oversight
- Lead on delivery of risk‑based Compliance Monitoring Plan, Horizon Scanning and Regulatory Change programme.
- Oversee BII’s regulatory obligations across the UK and overseas jurisdictions, including licensing, registrations, and country‑specific requirements in Africa and Asia, providing expert guidance to business and senior management on regulatory requirements in emerging markets and higher‑risk jurisdictions.
- Develop and maintain jurisdictional compliance frameworks, including local addendums to group policies.
- Ensure consistent compliance standards across global offices and act as escalation point for complex international regulatory matters.
- Control Framework
- Provide FCA and SMCR operational support required for the business and development and maintenance of regulatory policies, minimum standards, and control frameworks to ensure organisational compliance.
- Ensure high‑quality compliance monitoring, thematic reviews, and regulatory control testing across all relevant business areas.
- Regulatory Governance & Reporting
- Provide senior‑level reporting, management information (MI), key risk indicators (KRIs), and regulatory issue updates.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory
- Support regulatory interactions, inspections, and enquiries with the UK FCA and overseas regulators, working closely with legal counsel and external regulatory experts and manage relationships with regulators to coordinate submissions, filings, and regulatory approvals.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, investment teams, and operational functions.
- Represent Regulatory Compliance in new product development, market expansion, and strategic initiatives.
The candidate
- Strong experience with UK FCA and other regulatory regimes in emerging markets or higher‑risk jurisdictions, within financial services and/or development finance.
- Experience managing a team across Regulatory Compliance and being able to work independently.
- Proven ability to maintain effective regulatory control frameworks, monitoring plans, and oversight models.
- Ability to synthesise complex regulatory requirements into practical guidance.
- Strong risk assessment, analytical judgement, and ability to interpret regulatory trends.
- Exceptional communication, governance, and Board‑level reporting skills.
- Strategic thinker who can balance regulatory rigour with commercial realities.
- Collaborative, diplomatic, and credible with senior executives and external regulators.
- Demonstrated ability to motivate teams and manage performance.
Professional Qualifications
- Degree in Law, Finance, Compliance, Risk, or related field (postgraduate required).
- 10+ years relevant experience at Director level/Head of Regulatory Compliance within financial services and/or development finance.
- Professional certifications (e.g., ICA, CISI, ACAMS, or equivalent) desirable.
Our cultural values
We look for team members who aspire, as we do, to work at our best and to be:
- Impact‑led, commercially rigorous
- Tenacious in the face of challenges
- Collaborative and caring
British International Investment is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.
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