Legal and Compliance Manager

Location: London, UK
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Board
Salary: ~£150,000 plus discretionary bonus and benefits

Overview

We are seeking a qualified UK solicitor with at least three years’ post-qualification experience in a buy-side environment to join as Legal and Compliance Manager. This senior role is central to the firm’s governance framework, supporting both legal and regulatory compliance functions across the UK management entity and its associated fund structures.

The successful candidate will work closely with the COO and external counsel to ensure regulatory compliance, manage legal risk, and provide expert guidance across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Legal:

• Support the COO and Board in managing legal matters across the firm and its fund structures.
• Monitor and mitigate legal risks, implementing appropriate controls and strategies.
• Maintain an efficient UK and offshore corporate structure for regulated and unregulated activities.
• Oversee governance of fund entities, liaising with fund boards and company secretaries.
• Ensure fund offering documents are accurate, compliant, and up to date.
• Advise on legal aspects of investor communications and fund operations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate investment, counterparty, supplier, and employment contracts.
• Establish and maintain a robust legal and governance framework for emerging programs (e.g., cryptocurrency initiatives).
• Support HR policies and staff handbook maintenance.
• Assist with company secretarial duties, including board meeting coordination and statutory record-keeping.

Compliance:

• Maintain and oversee the firm’s compliance framework, including policies, manuals, and monitoring programs.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with FCA regulations and relevant US regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular reviews of ICARA and the risk register.
• Oversee financial crime compliance, including MLRO reviews and AML/KYC procedures.
• Qualify prospective investors as professional clients under applicable rules.
• Review and approve marketing materials and financial promotions in line with regulatory standards.
• Provide compliance guidance to business development teams, particularly on cross-border marketing rules.
• Prepare and submit non-financial regulatory filings to relevant authorities.
• Monitor staff training to ensure alignment with regulatory obligations.
• Coordinate responses to AML/KYC requests from counterparties and investment entities.
• Ensure adherence to data protection and privacy regulations.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with at least three years’ post-qualification experience in a buy-side legal or compliance role.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of FCA and NFA/CFTC frameworks. Knowledge of MIFIDPRU/IPRU-INV is advantageous. Experience in managed futures or derivatives is preferred.
• Legal & Compliance Expertise: Proven experience in investment management or hedge fund environments.
• Fund Structures: Working knowledge of onshore and offshore fund structures and regulatory implications.
• Documentation Skills: Ability to review, draft, and negotiate legal agreements and regulatory documentation.
• Organisational Skills: Strong record-keeping, policy management, and governance capabilities.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of liaising with internal stakeholders, external counsel, and regulators effectively.