Regulatory Lead

Regulatory LeadLeeds, UK (Hybrid: 3 days in the office per week)The CompanyGoCardless is a global bank payment company. Over 100,000 businesses, from start-ups to household names, use GoCardless to collect and send payments through direct debit, real-time payments and open banking.GoCardless processes US$130bn+ of payments annually, across 30+ countries; helping customers collect and send both recurring and one-off payments, without the chasing, stress or expensive fees. We use AI-powered solutions to improve payment success and reduce fraud. And, with open banking connectivity to over 2,500 banks, we help our customers make faster, more informed decisions.The business is headquartered in the UK with offices in London and now Leeds. Additional locations include Australia, France, Ireland, Latvia, Portugal and the United States.About the RoleAs the Regulatory Lead for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand at GoCardless, you will be at the forefront of our regulatory compliance and strategic engagement efforts within these financial services landscapes. You will lead the company’s regulatory strategy, oversee all interactions with regulators, and ensure that GoCardless maintains its position as a compliant, trusted, and innovative fintech across these regions. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will manage a team and collaborate across functions to embed compliance into our fast-paced growth trajectory.Key Responsibilities Regulatory Strategy & ManagementDevelop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory strategy for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, aligned with GoCardless’ business objectives and growth plans.Obtain and manage all necessary licenses, approvals, and permissions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, including scope changes and new product launches.Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging regulatory trends, risks, and opportunities across these regions, updating the regulatory obligations register accordingly.Lead the planning and execution of regulatory assessments, ensuring the company’s ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.Oversee and support the creation and implementation of compliance programs, policies, and frameworks across operations in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.Regulatory Engagement & AdvocacyAct as the primary point of contact with regulators in the UK (FCA), Australia (ASIC), and New Zealand (DIA), managing relationships and conducting outreach activities.Support regulatory examinations, audits, and inquiries, ensuring preparedness and responsiveness.Represent GoCardless at industry forums, trade associations, and regulatory consultations to advocate for the company’s interests and shape industry standards across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.Operational Oversight & GovernanceProvide second-line oversight and control for key regulated processes, working with the Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager and other teams.Ensure all regulatory reporting, notifications, and record-keeping meet the standards of the FCA, ASIC, DIA, and other relevant regulatory bodies.Support corporate governance initiatives to maintain good standing and regulatory integrity.Oversee the design and implementation of controls pertaining to consumer protection, safeguarding, prudential requirements, and outsourcing risk.Regulatory Risk & ComplianceLead the identification and assessment of regulatory risks across operations in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies.Collaborate with internal teams to embed regulatory change management processes.Support the onboarding and training of senior management and staff on regulatory obligations, changes, and best practices.Cross-Functional Leadership & Project ManagementLead cross-functional projects related to new market entry, product launches, or regulatory changes.Work closely with compliance, legal, product, operations, and external partners to ensure seamless implementation of regulatory requirements.Manage the regulatory workstream of strategic initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met and compliance risks are minimised.Reporting & DocumentationProvide regular, insightful reports to the Executive Committee and Board on regulatory developments, risks, and compliance status.Manage the team (including the Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager), providing coaching, oversight, and performance management.The CandidateExperienced Regulatory Leader: Extensive experience working with financial regulators in the UK (FCA) Australia (ASIC), and/or New Zealand (DIA) within a regulated financial services environment, ideally within fintech or payments.Strategic Thinker & Influencer: Able to develop and articulate clear regulatory strategies aligned with business growth.Regulatory Expert: Deep knowledge of regulations in the UK (FCA rules, Consumer Duty, AML, Conduct of Business), Australia (Corporations Act, ASIC Act, AML/CTF Act), and New Zealand ( AML/CFT Act), and other relevant regimes.Stakeholder Collaborator: Proven track record in managing relationships with regulators, senior management, and external partners.Operationally Hands-On: Skilled in translating regulatory requirements into practical policies and controls, driving effective implementation.Communicative & Influential: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex regulatory concepts.Proactive & Forward-Thinking: Anticipates regulatory developments and leads the company in adapting proactively.Leadership & Team Management: Experienced in leading teams, fostering a strong compliance culture, and developing talent.Qualifications & ExperienceMinimum of 8 years’ experience in regulatory compliance/management within regulated financial services firms, consultancy, or regulatory bodies, with experience in the UK, Australia, and/or New Zealand.Strong familiarity with FCA regulations, Consumer Duty, and the UK regulatory environment, as well as relevant regulations in Australia and New Zealand.Proven experience leading regulatory strategy, engagement, and compliance management.Track record of managing regulatory examinations, audits, and licensing processes.Demonstrable experience supporting business growth through compliance-driven initiatives.Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ICA, LLB,) are advantageous but not mandatory.The Good StuffWellbeing: Dedicated support and medical cover to keep you healthy.Work Away Scheme: Work from anywhere for up to 90 days in any 12-month period.Adaptive Working: Our hybrid model offers flexibility, with in-office days determined by your team.Equity: All permanently employed GeeCees get equity to share in our success.Parental leave: Tailored leave to support your life's great adventure.Time Off: Generous holidays, 3 volunteer days, and 4 wellness days annually.Life at GoCardlessWe're an organisation defined by our values; We start with why before we begin any project, to ensure it’s aligned with our mission. We make it happen, working with urgency and taking personal accountability for getting things done. We act with integrity, always. We care deeply about what we do and we know it's essential that we be humble whilst we do it. Our Values form part of the GoCardless DNA, and are used to not only help us nurture and develop our culture, but to deliver impactful work that will help us to achieve our vision.Diversity & InclusionWe’re building the payment network of the future, and to achieve our goal, we need a diverse team with a range of perspectives and experiences. As of July 2024, here’s where we stand:45% identify as women23% identify as Black, Asian, Mixed, or Other10% identify as LGBTQIA+9% identify as neurodiverse2% identify as disabledIf you want to learn more, you can read about our Employee Resource Groups and objectives here as well as our latest D&I Report Sustainability at GoCardlessWe’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and leaving a sustainable world for future generations. As co-founders of the Tech Zero coalition, we’re working towards a climate-positive future. Check out our sustainability action plan here.- - -This recruitment assignment is being handled exclusively by Miguel Florit of our retained consultants, Florit Legal, and all direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to him for consideration.Where Florit Legal advertisements make reference to years of experience, this is purely as a guide. All candidates will be considered on merit. 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