Head of Compliance
The Business:
Noggin HQ is a VC-backed financial technology company based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Noggin’s core technology helps companies accept more creditworthy individuals. Today, we do this by automatically categorising and enriching Open Banking data collected as part of credit applications.
The Role:
As Noggin's first and most senior compliance hire, you will own the compliance function end-to-end - building on the framework established during our FCA authorisation journey and operationalising it as we scale. You will be the primary guardian of our regulatory obligations, a trusted adviser to the leadership team, and the face of Noggin to our regulators.
Noggin operates exclusively with Open Banking data. This means your compliance remit sits at the intersection of credit reference regulation, data privacy, and Open Banking - a modern and genuinely interesting compliance challenge that goes well beyond traditional CRA obligations.
What You’ll Own:
Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain and evolve Noggin's compliance framework in line with FCA requirements and obligations including CRAIN
- Act as primary liaison with the FCA, ICO, and Financial Ombudsman Service
- Translate FCA regulations, guidance, and publications into clear, actionable advice for the business
- Stay ahead of regulatory change (including Open Banking, PSD2/PSD3, and Consumer Duty developments) through horizon scanning and advise the business on necessary adjustments
- Review and approve financial promotions and materials for FCA adherence
Open Banking & Data Compliance
- Ensure Noggin meets all obligations as an Open Banking data processor including AISP requirements where applicable
- Own consumer consent frameworks - how transactional data is collected, used, stored, and retained
- Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and ICO requirements across all data processing activities
Governance & Reporting
- Report directly to the Board on compliance activities, risks, and issues
- Prepare regulatory returns and submissions accurately and on time
- Own the Compliance Monitoring Plan and ensure it is executed effectively
Culture & Advisory
- Act as a compliance stakeholder in new product and business initiatives
- Embed a compliance-aware culture across the organisation through training and engagement
- Conduct lessons learned sessions with operational teams to drive continuous improvement
- Oversee second-line reviews of escalated customer complaints and draft FOS responses where required
What We're Looking For:
Essential
- 5-6 years minimum in an FCA-regulated firm with prior SMF16 designation
- Strong knowledge of the FCA Handbook - PRIN, DISP, SYSC, and Consumer Duty
- Solid understanding of CRA regulation and CRAIN obligations
- Demonstrable Open Banking knowledge - PSD2, AISP obligations, and the broader regulatory framework
- Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR and ICO requirements in a data-driven financial services context
- Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance for business and product teams
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving, technology-driven environment
Nice to have
- Experience at an Open Banking provider, data-driven fintech, or challenger financial services firm
- Technical literacy - SQL, Python, or close experience working with engineering and data teams
Benefits:
- There are significant opportunities for progression and pay increases throughout the year, depending on performance, contribution and impact.
- Learning and development opportunities, where relevance is evidenced, can be paid for by the company.
- 22 days holiday + bank holidays.
How we work: We have an office based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and as such, thoroughly encourage candidates to apply who live in the North East. We will also consider applicants in London.