Head of Control Room

A leading financial institution seeks an expert Head of Control Room for its New York office. The role shapes compliance and risk management across banking, markets, and research, ensuring strict adherence to FINRA and SEC regulations. You’ll advise senior leaders, guide teams through complex rules, and promote strong collaboration. The firm offers flexible work, supportive leadership, and ongoing professional development.

Key Responsibilities:
In the capacity of Head of Control Room, you will assume a central role in shaping the compliance framework within a preeminent financial institution. Your daily undertakings will encompass close engagement with investment banking professionals who seek your authoritative counsel on regulatory matters. You will be responsible for crafting supervisory procedures that reflect evolving industry standards while facilitating coordination among banking, sales, and research teams. Through diligent management of information barriers and restriction lists, you will ensure the protection of sensitive information whilst upholding exemplary standards of integrity. Your participation in cross-functional meetings will foster open channels of communication that support both client relations and internal operations. Furthermore, your oversight of research analysts guarantees that all published materials adhere strictly to compliance criteria before reaching external audiences. By proactively identifying areas for process improvement and vigilantly monitoring regulatory changes, you will play an instrumental role in mitigating risk throughout the organization.

• Formulate, revise, and maintain Written Supervisory Procedures (WSPs) pertinent to investment banking activities in strict accordance with prevailing FINRA and SEC regulations.
• Provide expert guidance to investment banking teams on compliance matters, ensuring all procedures are meticulously aligned with industry standards.
• Supervise the establishment and maintenance of information barriers between banking, sales, and research departments to safeguard confidential data and uphold regulatory integrity.
• Administer restriction lists for the investment banking team to minimize risk exposure and enhance operational efficacy.
• Participate in meetings involving banking professionals, research analysts, and clients to facilitate transparent communication whilst maintaining compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with external vendors to support the compliance needs of the investment banking team and optimize procedural efficiency.
• Identify potential vulnerabilities or deficiencies within business practices related to investment banking; propose enhancements aimed at reducing risk and optimizing performance.
• Oversee research analysts by reviewing and approving research reports prior to dissemination, ensuring both accuracy and regulatory compliance are maintained.
• Act as liaison between investment banking, research, and sales teams whilst supervising adherence to Chinese Wall protocols.
• Monitor developments in relevant regulations such as the Securities Act of 1933, Exchange Act of 1934, Investment Advisers Act of 1940, FINRA regulations, among others; update internal policies accordingly.

Key Requirements:
Your distinguished record in senior compliance roles within rigorously regulated financial environments renders you eminently suited for success as Head of Control Room. You possess extensive familiarity with key regulatory frameworks governing investment banking activities alongside practical experience in devising comprehensive supervisory procedures. Your aptitude for cultivating strong inter-personal connections enables you to bridge divides between diverse teams whilst fostering a culture grounded in trust and shared responsibility. With scrupulous attention when overseeing research outputs or managing restriction lists, you consistently uphold best practices that safeguard both client interests and organizational reputation. Your analytical approach empowers you not only to discern areas requiring improvement but also to propose pragmatic solutions that engender positive transformation throughout the enterprise. Holding relevant licenses further underscores your unwavering dedication to maintaining exemplary standards within the profession. A FINRA Series 24 license is mandatory.

• Substantial experience (preferably exceeding ten years) in a senior compliance capacity within an investment bank, capital markets firm, or other highly regulated financial institution is indispensable for this appointment.
• A comprehensive understanding of FINRA rules as well as SEC regulations, including the Securities Act of 1933, Exchange Act of 1934, Investment Advisers Act of 1940, together with other pertinent legislation, is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing firm-wide compliance policies specific to investment banking operations is highly esteemed.
• Proven capability in implementing robust information barriers between departments, such as banking, sales, and research, is essential for maintaining regulatory integrity.
• Experience overseeing research analysts, including meticulous review of reports for accuracy and compliance before distribution, is necessary.
• Exceptional inter-personal skills enabling you to serve as an effective intermediary between multiple teams whilst nurturing collaborative relationships, are vital for this position.
• Outstanding organizational acumen, allowing you to manage complex restriction lists efficiently whilst supporting overarching business objectives, is expected.
• Adeptness at identifying weaknesses or deficiencies within business practices related to investment banking; providing actionable recommendations for enhancement is crucial.
• Preferred licenses include Series 7, 24, 55, 63, 79, 87, 99 & SIE, which attest to your commitment to professional standards within the sector.
• Ability to work cooperatively with external vendors supporting compliance initiatives further augments your effectiveness in this role.

What sets this company apart:
This institution distinguishes itself through its steadfast commitment to regulatory excellence coupled with a genuinely supportive workplace ethos.

What's next:
If interested in this position, please contact Robert Moseman at +1 332 205 3879 or Robert.Moseman@robertwalters.com