Job Title: Compliance Monitoring and Surveillance Officer
Job Summary: The Compliance Monitoring & Surveillance Officer is responsible for the execution and enhancement of the firm’s Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP), alongside ongoing thematic surveillance e.g. written / voice communications, best execution etc. The role supports the firm in meeting its regulatory obligations under FCA rules and ensures that risks associated with equity and fixed income sales and trading activities are effectively identified, assessed, monitored, and reported. The successful candidate will work closely with Front Office, Risk, and Operations teams to promote a strong compliance culture and ensure adherence to applicable regulatory requirements, including MAR, MiFID II, and FCA Handbook rules.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP)
· Maintain, enhance and execute a risk-based Compliance Monitoring Plan covering equity and fixed income sales and trading activities.
· Conduct thematic and periodic reviews across key risk areas (e.g., best execution, market conduct, client categorisation, inducements, conflicts of interest).
· Document findings, assess root causes, and track remediation actions to completion.
· Regularly review and update the CMP to reflect regulatory developments and business changes.
· Update and enhance Compliance policies and procedures where monitoring outcomes identify a need for enhancements, ensuring alignment with FCA requirements and industry best practices.
· Ensure relevant action is taken where training needs are identified during or as a result of the monitoring
Trade & Communications Surveillance
· Perform ongoing surveillance of trading activity to identify potential market abuse (e.g., insider dealing, market manipulation) in line with Market Abuse Regulation (MAR).
· Monitor electronic communications (emails, chats, voice where applicable) to detect inappropriate conduct or breaches of internal policies.
· Investigate alerts generated from surveillance systems and escalate issues where necessary.
· Calibrate and enhance surveillance scenarios and thresholds to improve effectiveness and reduce false positives.
Monitoring & Testing
· Conduct control testing to assess the effectiveness of compliance controls within the Front Office and related functions.
· Perform sample-based reviews of trades, client interactions, and transaction reporting to ensure regulatory compliance.
· Assess adherence to policies such as personal account dealing, gifts & entertainment, and information barriers.
Regulatory Reporting & MI
· Prepare clear, concise compliance monitoring reports for senior management and relevant governance committees.
· Produce management information (MI) and trend analysis to identify emerging risks and areas of concern.
· Support regulatory reporting obligations and assist with FCA queries, thematic reviews, and inspections.
Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement
· Provide compliance guidance to equity and fixed income sales and trading teams on regulatory requirements and internal policies.
· Partner with Front Office to embed a strong conduct and compliance culture.
· Deliver training on surveillance, market conduct, and regulatory expectations.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
· Production of Best Execution and TCA reports using Liquid Metrix
· Maintenance and update of departmental procedures relevant to the above tasks
· Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Proven experience in a Compliance Monitoring, Surveillance, or Market Conduct role within an FCA-regulated firm.
· Demonstrable knowledge of financial instruments, particularly equities and fixed income
· Strong knowledge of relevant regulations including but not limited to Market Abuse Regulation (MAR); MiFID II / MiFIR; and FCA Handbook (e.g., SYSC, COBS)
· Demonstrable experience covering equity and fixed income products in an institutional sales and trading environment.
· Familiarity with surveillance systems and alert handling processes.
· Strong analytical and investigative skills with attention to detail.
· Ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and Front Office personnel.
· Experience in drafting reports and presenting findings to management.
· Confidence in collaborating with and providing effective challenge to first line
· Ability to research, interpret and translate regulatory rules and regulations into policy.
· Strong communication skills
· Strong systems and analytical skills
Ability to:
· Work as part of a team
· Produce accurate work with strong attention to detail
· Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives.
· Work under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
· Use appropriate interpersonal styles and communicate effectively, both orally and writing, with all organisational levels.
· Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
· Understand,and comply with confidentiality requirements at all times.
Experience Requirements:
· Minimum of five to seven years’ experience in a compliance monitoring/market surveillance role within the financial services industry with exposure to equities and fixed income products.
Working Conditions:
· Hours: Normal business hours. Some additional hours may be required.
Further Information:
The contents of this Job Description are not a fully inclusive list and may be amended from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the department and/or business.