Central Compliance Officer

About the role

As Central Compliance Officer, you will play a key role within the second line of defense and be part of an international team of compliance professionals.

Key responsibilities

• Support the development, enhancement and ongoing maintenance of a robust Compliance framework aligned with the organization’s risk appetite, regulatory expectations and internal governance standards.
• Provide advice and constructive challenge to the business, senior management and control functions on Compliance risks, governance requirements and the effectiveness of related controls.
• Review and maintain Compliance policies, procedures and control documentation to ensure they remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Support the Compliance lifecycle, including risk identification, assessment, monitoring, controls testing, issue management, remediation tracking and reporting.
• Prepare and coordinate internal and external audits, regulatory inspections and related follow-up actions, including the preparation of responses and remediation plans.
• Assist in the preparation of management information and reporting for relevant committees and the Management Board.
• Assist in the coordination of the annual Compliance Risk Assessment, including engagement with internal stakeholders.
• Support the interactions with BaFin, Bundesbank and other relevant regulators.

What do we expect from you?

• Minimum of 5 years’ Compliance experience, ideally within German investment banking or a comparable regulated financial services environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of the German and EU regulatory framework applicable to financial institutions, particularly MaRisk/WpI MaRisk and relevant BaFin guidance and expectations, with the ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical policies, controls, monitoring activities and advice.
• Experience in Compliance governance, Compliance framework implementation, Compliance lifecycle management and Compliance risk assessments.
• Experience in dealing with internal and external auditors, including coordination of audits (year-end audit and WpHG audit), preparation of audit evidence, management of audit requests, responding to findings and remediation tracking.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex regulatory requirements and governance structures.
• Excellent communication with internal and external stakeholders and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with business, senior management, auditors, regulators and other control functions.
• Sound judgement, personal integrity and professionalism, with the confidence to make, escalate and defend risk-based decisions in line with regulatory expectations and effective risk management standards.
• German and English language skills (minimum C1 or equivalent in both).