Bank Corporate Secretary (SMCR)

Bank of London offers a safer business banking model by holding all deposits at the Bank of England, eliminating the risk of 'bank runs.' It provides services such as Deposit-as-a-Service (DaaS), Embedded Banking, real-time Clearing, Payments, and Settlement, as well as Commercial Banking tailored to businesses. Powered by proprietary technology, the bank collaborates with SAP Fioneer to deliver innovative solutions. With a focus on exceptional service and core values of compassion, ownership, and curiosity, the bank strives for excellence in all it does.
As Bank Corporate Secretary, you will be a key governance and legal advisor to the Board and Executive team, ensuring the Bank of London operates with the highest standards of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight. You will support the Bank’s growth and strategic ambitions, while safeguarding its legal and ethical integrity.
Board and Committee Governance
Act as Secretary to the Board of Directors, and Board Committees (including Audit, Risk, and Remuneration).
Lead the end-to-end administration of meetings: prepare agendas, collate and distribute board packs, take accurate minutes, and track actions to closure.
Maintain annual meeting calendars, forward agendas, decision logs, and Terms of Reference.
Provide governance support to the Executive Risk Committee, working closely with the Chief Risk Officer.
Governance Framework & Compliance
Support the General Counsel in maintaining and evolving the Bank’s internal governance framework, including:
Board and Committee structures
Delegated Authorities and Accountability Matrices (ADMR)
Board Policy Framework (e.g., Conflicts of Interest, Directors’ Duties, Board Procedures)
Ensure compliance with the Companies Act 2006, UK Corporate Governance Code, and regulatory requirements from the PRA and FCA.
Prepare and manage statutory filings, written resolutions, and corporate register submissions.
Monitor legal and regulatory developments and assess their impact on the Bank’s governance and operations.
Legal & Regulatory Support
Liaise with external legal counsel, regulatory authorities, and auditors as needed.
Support legal and regulatory submissions and due diligence processes.
Assist with legal research, corporate governance documentation, and strategic legal projects.
Maintain up to date and ensure the accuracy of the Bank's statutory registers, including registers of members, directors, and persons of significant control.
Board Support & Development
Coordinate director appointments, onboarding, and training in collaboration with HR.
Facilitate Board evaluations and ongoing development initiatives.
Provide guidance and support to the Chair, Executive, and Non-Executive Directors on governance and compliance matters.
SMCR Leadership
Within the SMCR Leader part of the role, you will be the key point of contact for managing and overseeing the bank’s compliance with SMCR. You’ll work closely with senior management, HR, Legal, and Compliance to ensure full regulatory alignment, governance, and reporting. This role is essential in maintaining the integrity and accountability of our leadership team and certified staff
SMCR Compliance Oversight:
Lead the implementation and ongoing management of the SMCR framework across the company
Maintain and update the Management Responsibilities Map and Statements of Responsibilities.
Monitor regulatory developments and ensure timely implementation of relevant changes.
Own the SMCR-related governance activities including regulatory submissions, board reporting, policies and internal audits.
Coordinate annual SMF and Certified Person reviews, fitness and propriety assessments, and annual certification processes.
Maintain accurate and complete SMCR documentation in line with FCA expectations including preparation, and FCA submission of all respective paperwork such as Form A’s
Design and deliver SMCR training to Senior Managers, Certified Persons, and Conduct Rules staff.
Ensure consistent understanding and implementation of SMCR obligations across the firm.
Collaborate with HR on onboarding, offboarding and lifecycle changes for individuals in scope of SMCR, including regulatory references.
Liaise with Legal and Risk functions on governance, conduct risk, and accountability frameworks.
Support FCA and PRA interactions including requests, interviews, and thematic reviews.
Manage internal and external audits of SMCR processes
We are looking for a collaborative, and forward-thinking governance professional who brings:
Experience as a Company Secretary or Deputy/Assistant Company Secretary in a regulated financial services environment (banking or investment services preferred).
Strong understanding of UK company law, corporate governance codes, and FCA/PRA regulatory frameworks.
Excellent organisational, drafting, and communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Experience supporting Risk and Audit Committees is highly desirable.
A legal qualification (LLB, LPC, or SQE) or ICSA/CGI qualification is advantageous but not essential.
Proven experience (3–5 years minimum) in SMCR compliance within financial services, ideally a fintech or challenger bank.
Deep understanding of the UK’s SMCR framework and FCA expectations.
Experience with regulatory governance, compliance documentation, and board-level interaction.
Location
London (5 days per week in the office)
Travel to other locations may be required on occasion.
Diversity
Bank of London is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion, diversity and belonging. All qualified applicants are welcome and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, age, religion or religious expression, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity and expression, transgender, national origin, or military veteran status.
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