SMF3 – Executive Director
Boutique Asset manager – Canary Wharf
Location: Canary Wharf – 2 days per week in office
Salary: £90k - £110k
Regulatory Status: FCA-authorised Asset Manager
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced, senior financial services professional to join the Board as SMF3 – Executive Director (ED). This is a board-level role with personal accountability under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).
The SMF3 will play a central role in the strategic direction, governance, and regulatory oversight of the firm, ensuring that all business activities meet the highest standards of compliance, conduct, and operational excellence. This is a hands-on, high-profile position that interacts directly with the Board, FCA, investors, and key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the firm, aligned with the Board’s vision and objectives.
- Assume personal accountability under SMCR for the firm’s operations and governance.
- Oversee risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to FCA rules and guidance.
- Act as the primary liaison with the FCA for executive matters, including regulatory submissions and reporting.
- Drive business growth and strategic initiatives, ensuring that operational and regulatory frameworks scale effectively.
- Support other senior managers and function heads in delivering best-in-class governance, conduct, and operational standards.
- Ensure the firm maintains robust records, reporting, and audit readiness, including for regulatory inspections or thematic reviews.
- Provide independent challenge and oversight to business proposals, investment strategies, and operational initiatives.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- Proven executive-level experience within an FCA-regulated firm (asset management, wealth management, or related sector).
- Demonstrated understanding of SMCR responsibilities, including personal accountability as a senior manager.
- Strong regulatory knowledge, including FCA Handbook, conduct rules, and financial services legislation.
- Track record of board-level decision making, governance, and risk oversight.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience managing regulator relationships.
- Strategic, commercially aware, and able to balance business growth with regulatory and operational control.
Desirable
- Experience in boutique or growing asset management firms, with exposure to investment funds (OEICs, AIFs, UCITS).
- Knowledge of fund operations, product governance (PROD), and AML/CTF oversight.
- Previous experience as a director or executive in a multi-functional, regulated financial services environment.
Personal Attributes
- Highly credible and authoritative in senior-level discussions
- Strong judgement and integrity under regulatory scrutiny
- Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-paced, hands-on environment
- Proactive, strategic thinker with ability to implement and maintain governance frameworks
Regulatory Note
The successful candidate will be required to:
- Obtain FCA approval as an SMF3 Executive Director
- Comply with ongoing SMCR conduct rules and certification regime
- Maintain fitness and propriety standards under FCA guidance