Head of Operational Risk

OverviewHi, we’re Griffin! We’re the bank for companies who want to build and launch financial products. Griffin is a technology platform and a fully regulated bank: API-first, developer-centric, and purpose-built to serve innovative fintechs and brands who want to embed financial products.

Our culture is intentional about hiring for our core values. We operate in a high-trust, high-autonomy environment, are remote-first and asynchronous, and encourage open discussion and challenge across all levels of the organization.

The Risk and Compliance teamThe Risk and Compliance team is being established as a second line that is a highly respected and integrated part of the business, independent from the first line. We aim to be best in class and to lay the foundations of the future of global financial infrastructure.

Who are you?The ideal candidate will have most of the following:

Experience

Strong knowledge of the UK’s banking regulatory framework, plus industry best practices in designing and operating systems and controls.

Solid experience in financial services in the UK, preferably in a challenger bank or in professional services.

Experience in enterprise risk management and operational risk.

Solid experience in payments and cards, preferably in a bank.

Capable of holistic oversight of systems and controls across a new bank, in areas such as economic crime, compliance, or risk.

Able to engage in regulatory detail and cross-reference with policy and practices.

Qualities

Pragmatic and collaborative mindset with an interest in embedding a strong three lines of defence model across the business.

Comfort working in a startup banking environment, including doing other second line activities as required by the CRO.

We’re hybrid-remote, with most colleagues not sharing an office daily. You should be comfortable with solo execution and remote management, adopting new software tools, and a strong emphasis on clear, readable writing.

What will you be doing here?As Head of Operational Risk you will:

Support the CRO with oversight of the risk profile and the implementation and embedding of the risk management framework and risk appetite statement, proposing changes to keep it fit for purpose.

Act as risk subject matter expert for Non-Financial Risks, providing independent guidance to the first line and oversight for operational risk, operational resilience, outsourcing, change risk, technology, and other non-financial risks important to Griffin.

Oversee (from a second line perspective) projects and new products, carrying out and reviewing risk assessments as needed.

Act as second line subject matter expert for payments, savings, and cards products.

Manage and oversee the work of other members of the operational risk team, acting as their reporting line as required.

Oversee and, if required, deliver parts of the second line assurance plan across all areas of the business to assess adherence to policy and the design and effectiveness of controls.

Draft Terms of Reference, risk management policies and standards, and other governance documents for the first line to implement.

Design, develop and improve management information and reporting packs for committees and support them in discharging duties.

Contribute to other second line activities as the business grows and evolves.

This is a certified role under the Senior Manager’s and Certification Regime (SMCR); the role holder must comply with the FCA’s Fitness and Propriety Requirements.

What can we offer you?We are an early stage startup building our benefits package and plan to expand it over time. Current offerings include:

25 days off per year + winter break (between Christmas and New Year) + bank holidays

Remote-first flexibility - work from anywhere in the UK

Support with home office setup

Share options – own a piece of what we’re building

1:1 coaching and therapy through Oliva

Auto-enrolment into company pension scheme with Penfold

Enhanced parental leave with up to 6 months at full pay

Private medical insurance and life insurance (Vitality and AIG)

As a bank, we require background screening. The offer is conditional on satisfactory checks, including verification of right to work, criminal record, credit history, and professional references.

How do I apply?Are we your next move? Apply via the link below; if there’s a match, our Talent team will reach out to schedule an initial conversation and outline the next steps.

We’re remote-first with a small London office in Moorgate. We’re comfortable hiring people to work from anywhere in the UK, with about a third of the company in or near London and the rest fully remote.

Under representationOur goal is for Griffin to proportionally represent the diversity of the working population. We strive to be a supportive, empowering, and inclusive environment for every team member, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, nationality, neurodiversity, or religious beliefs. If you are part of an under-represented group in fintech, we’d love to hear from you.

Griffin Bank Ltd asks recruitment agencies not to submit CVs unless explicitly requested. Any speculative CVs will not be accepted, and we will not pay fees for unsolicited ..... full job details .....