Technology Regulations Specialist

London, England, United Kingdom

12/12/2024

Job Introduction

Founded in 1871, Svenska Handelsbanken (Group) is one of Sweden's leading banks. The Handelsbanken group operates as a full-service bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence due to a nationwide network of branches and a long-term approach to customer relations.

Handelsbanken first came to the UK market in 1982 as a branch of Group. Handelsbanken plc achieved full banking authorisation in 2018 and to support the newly established UK legal entity, HB plc implemented Governance, Risk and Operational structures required for the operation of a Bank in a UK regulated environment. In addition HB Plc operates a number of services for itself and is embarking on a series of modernisation initiatives which will alter the current service provision landscape, specifically increasing the use of Cloud services.

In response UKT are creating a Technology Regulation function to manage the overall UKT approach and have a number of specialist roles within that. The roles will ensure adherence to all applicable regulation for UKT working with the other departments of the bank to achieve this.

Main Responsibilities

The roles main functional responsibilities include:

• For UKT manage a subset of regulatory assurance activities. There will be a particular focus on supporting the PRA requirements for Outsourcing, Operational Resilience and Operational Continuity in Resolution from a technology perspective.
• Creating and managing a register of applicable regulation for UKT to allow assurance across diverse and interlocking regulations.
• Create an annual assurance plan to draw together a number of assurance activities across UKT ensuring a comprehensive approach to assurance for the function.
• Support the embedding and optimisation of the Bank’s IT Governance Framework aligned to industry good practice (COBIT, ISO etc.), with the aim to optimise risk by supporting the implementation of appropriate governance and control measures.
• Conduct 1st line of defence reviews, providing UKT senior management with assessments of whether the UKT department is compliant with all directly applicable regulation and can support other 1 st line functions in meeting their regulatory obligations.
• Work with key modernisation programmes to ensure ‘compliance by design’, define regulatory compliance standards and approaches and ensure future IT platforms comply with all applicable regulation.
• Conduct Horizon Scanning in conjunction with the Bank Compliance Department to identify developments and changes to regulations and assess how these may impact UKT, organising UKT to address the new regulation.
• Work with UK and Group colleagues to provide education on various aspects of UK regulation applying to UKT and improve engagement and support from Group for key regulatory activity.
• Prepare management reports on status and issues and present status at formal committees.
  
  

Ideal Candidate

Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…

• Experience of Financial Services UK regulation and performing regulatory assurance activities in a Financial Services organisation, and an understanding of relevant regulatory requirements for IT departments (e.g. Outsourcing, Operational Resilience, OCIR etc)
• A background in regulatory compliance including engaging with UK regulators on complex topics.
• A strong understanding of IT methods, components, capabilities, operating model and strategies.
• Experience of outsourcing, IT programme management and operations.
• Excellent attention to detail, tracking and coordination of actions and plans.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with experience presenting at C-Level.
• Audit and assurance planning activities for an IT department.
• Ability to understand complex problems and focus on the critical issues, providing solution recommendations.
• Ability to work well within a Financial Services ‘Group & Subsidiary’ organisation with teams both within the UK and internationally.
• Ability to work on several initiatives at any given time, and prioritise effectively.
• Able to lead sessions with a mix of business and technical people.
  
  

Company Information

Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.

We are embarking on an exciting Business Transformation journey. This transformation will significantly enhance our technology system systems, processes and services, bringing evolution to our ways of working. Join us in this transformative journey, where your dedication, adaptability and commitment will play a crucial role in shaping the future of banking for our valued customers.

The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation.

Check our Handelsbanken website for further information

At Handelsbanken, we deeply value our unique culture and values including trust in and respect for each individual. We take pride in nurturing a work environment where people flourish, and where they are empowered to take decisions in their areas of expertise. We take a long term perspective in everything we do and want each employee who joins us to build a long terms successful career with the Bank.

What is in it for you?

• We have a wide range of learning and development available, empowering and enabling our colleagues to take ownership of their own development.
• Competitive Salary and an extensive range of benefits is provided, including private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
• A market-leading pension contribution of 15% paid by the bank, which can be invested in a wide range of funds (including ESG and Shariah funds)
  
  

Application next steps

Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken recruiters will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if you match the role requirements. If there is a mutual fit, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.

How can we support you to be your best self? Our Talent Acquisition team will be happy to provide support e.g. if you need additional time to prepare for an interview or you have any requirements for any part of the interview/hiring process – just let us know by email uk_talent@careers.handelsbanken.co.uk .

This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.