Interim CEO (SMF1) – Wealth Management / Private Banking
Description
London | Interim Assignment | FCA-Regulated Business
Exec Capital has been engaged to identify an Interim Chief Executive Officer (SMF1) for a London-based international wealth management business operating within an FCA-regulated environment.
This is a senior interim leadership assignment requiring an experienced financial services executive capable of providing immediate regulatory oversight, governance leadership, and operational stability during a transitional period.
The current UK CEO is stepping down, and the business expects the search for a permanent replacement to take approximately 6–12 months. As a result, the firm is seeking an experienced interim executive who can assume the FCA Senior Management Function 1 (SMF1) role and provide leadership continuity from day one.
About the Business
Our client is part of a larger international financial services group employing several thousand staff globally.
Its international wealth management division operates across London, Singapore, and Dubai, managing approximately $3 billion in assets under management. The London office is a boutique UK operation with a focused team supporting international private wealth clients and relationship managers.
The Interim Assignment
The successful candidate will act as Interim CEO and approved SMF1 function holder for the UK regulated entity.
The mandate is primarily focused on:
FCA regulatory oversight and governance
Executive leadership of the UK business
Maintaining operational and regulatory continuity
Supporting a team of relationship managers and support staff
Oversight of compliance, risk, and stakeholder management
Liaison with boards, regulators, and international leadership teams
Providing experienced leadership during the permanent CEO search process
This assignment is intended as an interim solution rather than a route into a permanent role.
Responsibilities
Candidate Requirements
Exec Capital is specifically seeking senior candidates with substantial experience within:
Private banking
Wealth management
FCA-regulated investment businesses
International financial services environments
Ideal candidates are likely to be:
Former CEOs, UK Heads, Country Managers, or senior board-level executives
Previously approved for FCA SMF1 or similar Senior Management Functions
Semi-retired, portfolio-based, or operating as independent consultants/interim executives
Comfortable operating within governance-heavy and regulatory environments
Able to start relatively quickly if required
London-based or readily commutable to London
Due to the FCA-regulated nature of the appointment, the candidate pool is necessarily specialised. Applicants must be capable of securing FCA approval for the SMF1 Chief Executive function and possess the credibility and experience expected for regulator-facing leadership roles.
Why This Role May Appeal
This opportunity offers:
A high-profile interim leadership mandate
Exposure to an international wealth management platform
A governance-focused assignment with strong board visibility
The ability to make an immediate impact within a respected regulated business
Flexible interim positioning suitable for experienced senior executives and portfolio professionals
Job Benefits
Confidential Search Process
Exec Capital is handling this assignment on a confidential basis.
Further details regarding the organisation, strategic plans, remuneration structure, and onboarding timeline will be shared with shortlisted candidates during the process
Indicative is £1,500 per day.
To express interest or arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Exec Capital.