Navigating the compliance talent market

By Pardeep Thind, Associate Director – Compliance & Risk Recruitment

The compliance landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. For both financial services organisations and the professionals working within them, the last 12–18 months have been defined by heightened scrutiny, new regulatory priorities, and the pressure to adapt quickly.

At the heart of this change is the increased use of Section 166 reviews. Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), the FCA and PRA can require firms to appoint independent “skilled persons” to assess their activities. A Section 166 notice is the regulator’s sharpest too. It’s costly, time-consuming, and, perhaps most damaging of all, it can leave a lasting mark on a firm’s reputation.

Alongside this, Consumer Duty has moved centre stage. Firms are being judged not just on whether they meet regulatory requirements, but on how effectively they deliver good outcomes for their customers. In practice, this means deeper scrutiny of products, communications, and culture which is an area that has dominated boardroom conversations over the past year.

The rapid rise of AI in financial services adds another layer of complexity. From algorithmic trading to automated customer interactions, the risks around transparency, bias, and governance are pushing compliance functions into uncharted territory. This is especially pronounced in asset management, investments, and the expanding private markets, where regulators are moving quickly to keep pace.

What does this mean for compliance professionals?

Despite the surge in activity, we’re not seeing a wholesale creation of brand-new job families. Instead, traditional compliance roles are broadening. Today’s professionals need to balance regulatory expertise with a wider toolkit:

• Consumer Duty frameworks – ensuring customer fairness and embedding it into business strategy.
• AI and technology oversight – understanding the risks and governance challenges posed by new tools.
• Cross-disciplinary knowledge – blending compliance know-how with risk, operations, and data analytics.

The cost of getting it wrong has never been higher. Beyond reputational damage, firms face significant financial penalties if they cannot demonstrate robust frameworks.

Career advice for the next generation

For those entering or advancing in compliance, diversity of experience is key. Exposure to areas like alternative investments early in your career can set you apart, giving you a broader perspective on risk and regulation.

Professional development also plays a vital role. The CISI offers an excellent range of qualifications, particularly in operations, risk, and credit, that enhance credibility and employability. Meanwhile, familiarity with business intelligence and data tools is increasingly valued by employers looking for compliance teams who can interpret and act on insights quickly.

Finally, remember that the compliance function doesn’t operate in isolation. Senior leaders, particularly Chief Risk Officers and Chief Compliance Officers, are now deeply involved in shaping not only regulatory strategy but also overall business direction. Building relationships with these decision-makers and understanding their priorities can accelerate your progression.

Final thoughts

Compliance has never been more demanding, or more important. For professionals, the opportunity lies in embracing this broader skill set and positioning yourself at the intersection of regulation, risk, and technology. For organisations, the challenge is to find and nurture talent that can deliver both technical rigour and commercial awareness in equal measure.

As the market continues to evolve, one thing is certain: compliance will remain a central pillar of trust in financial services, and the professionals who can navigate this complexity will be in highest demand.

If you need further information or need an informal chat about hiring in compliance roles in Asset Management, please email me on pardeep.thind@merakitalent.com