Job Specifications
Job Description
Purpose of the role
AJ Bell is a regulated firm and must comply with FCA requirements to “monitor and… assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the measures and procedures” established under SYSC 6.1.2R, as set out in SYSC 6.1.3R.
The Senior Compliance Monitoring Officer (SCMO) supports the HoCM in providing effective compliance oversight through the development, execution, and refinement of a risk‑based Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP). This includes identifying and recommending monitoring activities based on internal and external risk factors.
The primary purpose of the SCMO is to ensure AJ Bell complies with all relevant FCA rules, guidance, and principles by conducting monitoring activity. This includes deep‑dive reviews, agile reviews, and routine monitoring to ensure the delivery and ongoing assessment of good consumer outcomes.
The role also supports the wider Risk & Compliance function through the maintenance of key regulatory records (e.g., breaches register, gifts and hospitality register, Market Abuse documentation) and by contributing to internal and external regulatory reporting, and management information.
What does the job involve?
The key responsibilities of the role are as follows{{:}}
Conduct in‑depth monitoring reviews in line with the CMP, applying rigour, accuracy, and effective challenge.
Produce clear, well‑structured reports of findings using the compliance reporting template.
Support the Head of Compliance Monitoring with the maintenance and delivery of the Compliance Monitoring Plan whilst contributing significantly with the criteria used to form the plan.
Represent the compliance function in delivering feedback on monitoring reviews, unaided, and support the other Compliance Monitoring Officers with their delivery.
Ensure any agreed action from reviews is effectively closed with use of the Action tracker.
Evaluate if good consumer outcomes are delivered constantly and consistently across the business.
Providing ad hoc compliance regulatory guidance and support to relevant business areas.
Maintain essential records and documents, as required by the FCA rules.
Ensure that all relevant management information is provided in a timely manner and to compile and provide comment for any relevant governance committee.
Undertake additional Compliance activities as required, including rule analysis, ad‑hoc reporting, and supporting training design and delivery.
Coach and support team members to develop capability, performance, and engagement.
Undertake other compliance activities, such as rule analysis, production of ad hoc reports, assisting with design and delivery of training as required from time to time, under the direction of the Risk & Compliance Management team.
To coach other team members to develop and improve service and performance as well as input towards the implementation of the engagement strategy.
Competence, Knowledge, And Skills
Proven experience operating in an FCA‑regulated environment, ideally within a business model comparable to AJ Bell’s — such as investment platforms, managed investment solutions, or retail dealing services.
Demonstrable experience in compliance, internal audit, or regulatory oversight within an FCA‑regulated environment, including monitoring and testing activities.
Working knowledge or strong awareness of{{:}} The UK regulatory regime, with an understanding of the wider EU regulatory landscape. Relevant sections of the FCA Handbook, including COBS, SYSC, Financial Crime, CASS, and MAR. Expectation to develop as a subject matter expertise in at least one Handbook area.
In depth understanding of monitoring and testing methodologies.
Frameworks supporting the delivery and assessment of good customer/consumer outcomes.
The legislative framework for financial crime, including JMLSG AML guidance and the FCA’s financial crime requirements.
Data Protection legislation (e.g., UK GDPR, DPA 2018).
Experience of compliance monitoring or the provision of regulatory advice across platform dealing, investment operations, and trade execution activities (e.g., Best Execution, Transaction Reporting, Market Abuse) is desirable.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to present monitoring findings clearly, concisely, and appropriately for different audiences.
Ability to build rapport through effective, credible communication.
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, enabling constructive challenge across the business.
High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and rigour in monitoring work.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret regulatory changes and assess their business impact across processes, procedures, and customer literature.
Competence in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
Familiarity with internal databases and back‑office systems such as Figaro or Composer (advantageous).
Effective planning, organisation, and time‑management skills, including{{:}}
Structured planning of
About the Company
AJ Bell was formed in 1995 and is now one of the leading online investment platforms in the UK. We provide customers and advisers with wide investment choice, low-cost delivery, market leading online functionality and first class service to help them manage investment portfolios within SIPPs, ISAs and Dealing accounts. We are a fast growing and profitable company, with over 593,000 customers and PS90.4 billion of assets under administration. We are part of the FTSE 250 on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
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