Compliance Officer jobs in Europe

​Because of the nature of the work, compliance officers traditionally come from a legal or finance background, with associated degrees. The sector is getting increasingly competitive, as being a compliance officer is seen as an attractive career, but individuals in compliance can still hail from diverse backgrounds as regulatory departments are more and more seeking complimentary technology and data skills.

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Being a compliance officer can be a demanding job and it can be tough to keep on top of regulatory or legal changes in the financial services sector. The ability to stay on top of things and to manage people well are hallmarks of a good compliance officer. They need to be there for the front office staff, but also for the C-Suite, especially when operating as a Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel or Chief Operating Officer.

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Main Key Duties

While a Compliance Officer’s key duties might change from one type of firm to another, its core responsibilities will usually include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Fostering an ethical culture at the firm

• Avoiding fines and other penalties from the regulating body (FCA in the UK, SEC in the US)

• Creating, monitoring and reporting on internal policies and processes: IT, Strategy, OH&S (Occupational, Health & Safety), KYC (Know Your Customer), PEP (Politically Exposed Person) and Sanctions

• Legal research and anticipating future changes

• Leveraging future changes in regulation

• Reviewing marketing material and disclaimers

• Training sessions to staff

• Answering “can we do X?” questions from the C-Suite and front office

• Conducting internal audits

• Assisting with disciplinary proceedings

• Reporting to the regulator

• Making sure that advice considers business objectives

• Prepare and file regulatory reports with the FCA

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Main Required Skills

• Broader Business Acumen (Product & Technology knowledge)

• Interpersonal skills and communication

• Problem solving

• Attention to detail

• Niche candidates and subject matter experts

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