Mortgage Compliance Assistant

Mortgage Lane is a fast-paced and exciting environment in which client experience is integral to everything we do. Setting us apart from most mortgage brokerages, our award-winning business is heavily focused upon assisting property investors maximise their returns with the most efficient and effective funding on the market. Our knowledge and experience in this space has led us to work with clients from over 40 different countries across the world, including anyone from first-time investors to directors of global brands and professional sportspeople.

All of the above has been made possible by building upon the foundations and values set out in the early years of our business, and importantly, building a team with the drive and care that is essential to maintaining the reputation we have built.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an expanding team, working with one of the leading financial brokers in property investment. We are looking for an ambitious and professional individual who desires a long and successful career in a fast paced and dynamic environment. You will be a CeMAP qualified Compliance Officer, with at least one year’s experience, you will work closely with the Director, being responsible to ensure that the business maintains systems and control to prevent the business from breaching FCA regulations.

Responsibilities General

· Adhere to the responsibilities outlined in the Statement of Responsibility

· Update and implement annual Compliance Monitoring Plan and complete annual FCA Reg Data returns with support with relevant senior management and accountant

· Keep up-to-date with regulatory developments

· Build positive, beneficial relationships with Advisers through regular contact and feedback provided to them as well as carrying out regular reviews

· To maintain personal knowledge of FCA regulatory and internal guidance and procedural changes to ensure accurate assessment of files.

· To maintain Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by maintaining knowledge of FCA regulatory and internal procedural changes to ensure accurate assessment of files.

· To undertake any additional ad hoc duties when necessary in order to support the business in achieving its overall objectives. Technical skills / competencies

Advise senior management in a timely manner of:

• FCA related and other regulatory issues.
• Any changes to the FCA rules.
• Ensure the firm continues to meet its threshold conditions (COND).
• Assist in producing an annual compliance report for senior management.
• Assist in managing the firm’s relationship with FCA in line with FCA Principle 11– A firm must deal with its regulators in an open and cooperative way and must disclose to the FCA appropriately anything relating to the firm of which the FCA would reasonably expect notice.
• Ensure that the firm can respond in a timely manner to requests for information from the FCA.
• Make all appropriate notifications to FCA (for example, submission of the firms Retail Mediation Activities Return, relevant Notifiable changes and any other information relating to the firm of which the FCA would reasonably expect notice).
• Comply at all times with the Compliance and Training and Competence procedures of the firm
• Comply at all times with the requirements of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, and the FCA Principles, The Rules and the Conduct Rules.

Compliance Monitoring

• Ensure that the firm has adopted a risk-based approach to compliance monitoring.
• Ensure findings from client file reviews are recorded as part of the firm’s management information and reacted to by senior management, where necessary.
• Ensure the firm keeps up-to-date KPI data and management information, and that any problems / adverse trends identified are passed on to other senior managers in a timely manner.

Systems and Controls

• Review any delegated activities on an on-going basis to ensure they are undertaken adequately and meet the firm’s needs. Ensure that where responsibilities have been delegated, this has been done to an appropriate person and is discharged effectively.
• Review on an on-going basis the firm’s remuneration policy against FCA requirements.

Selling Practices

• Ensure all staff are aware of the FCA requirements on selling practices.
• Monitor the review of client files to ensure regulatory requirements are being met.
• Undertake client file reviews / monitor performance where any work is outsourced to a third party.

Complaints handling

• Review any complaints against the firm and deal with them in accordance with the FCA complaints handling rules.
• Ensure all staff (including new staff) are aware of the firm’s complaints handling procedures.
• Ensure that the firm’s complaints notification to the FCA is submitted accurately and on a timely basis.

Financial Promotion

• Ensure that any financial promotions are approved in accordance with FCA rules.
• Ensure all staff (including new staff) are aware of the firm’s procedures on financial promotions.
• Review on an annual basis the firm’s financial promotions to check that the information contained therein remains valid and compliant.
• Ensure all relevant records are maintained (register, copies of draft and published promotions etc).

Recruitment

• Ensure that the firm’s recruitment / human resources policies meet regulatory requirements and are adhered to.
• Ensure that all new staff receive training in the Conduct Rules.
• Ensure all Senior Managers and Certified Persons joining the firm undergo a FIT assessment relevant to their role.
• Ensure that any new advisers are trained in the firm’s procedures.

Training and Competence

• Identification and communication of potential adviser training needs in line with T&C Scheme, Procedures and Processes, providing feedback to the supervision team, where minimum standards are not met.
• Ensure that any new recruits and / or Certified Persons are subject to appropriate supervision.
• Ensure that, where applicable, there is a formal sign off of competency and a certificate is issued under the Certification Regime.
• Ensure all relevant individuals are subject to on-going supervision and assessment.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of TCF requirements and responsibilities.
• Delegation training to administration.
• Performance training and KPIs.

Appointed Representatives

· Monitor the firm’s appointed representatives ensuring that all relevant regulatory requirements are met.

Other job role specifications:

• File checks
• Review and approve AML exceptions and logging them
• Compliance on file reviews
• Identifying policy and process risk
• Communicating changes to the team and ensuring these are carried out
• Monitor New Business Register (new starters and types of business)
• Report any Compliance risk to Senior Managers
• Working with team and Director to improve file grades
• Supporting Management on adhoc compliance projects

· Ensure performance management is maintained in supporting departmental case check objectives

· Participate in annual SimplyBiz monitoring meeting

· Ensure systems and processes are fit for purpose from a compliance perspective

· Create and implement new processes and update existing processes in line with compliance framework.

· Oversee product transfers.

Person specifications:

• CeMAP & DIPFA Level 4 qualification is required
• Must be able to demonstrate a collaborative and values led approach
• Strong presentation skills
• Excellent IT skills
• Excellent phone manner and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Team player and positive attitude
• Strong work ethic and ability to show initiative

· Intermediate IT skills.

· Risk Management.

· Communication.

· Managing Self.

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the job and person specification.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, hardworking, and friendly team with endless opportunities for progression.

For more details about this role please contact 01633 495314.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Newport NP19 8AJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person