Graduate Risk & Compliance Analyst – Financial Regulation & Operational Assurance

 

Job Overview

Career Level: Graduate / Entry Level

Industry: Financial Services / Risk Management / Compliance

Location: London (Head Office) with hybrid flexibility and regional exposure opportunities (Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh)

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: £34,000 – £42,000 per annum + performance bonus + study sponsorship

About the Company

Talent Cast represents a leading financial services group headquartered in London, working at the intersection of risk management, compliance, and corporate governance. The firm supports investment houses, retail banks, and fintech clients in building strong operational frameworks aligned with FCA, PRA, and AML regulatory standards.

This opportunity is ideal for graduates seeking to launch a long-term career in risk and compliance within financial services, combining regulatory analysis, data oversight, and advisory exposure.

You’ll be joining a team that operates across multiple business lines, including asset management, payments, insurance, and private wealth, providing an exceptional foundation for professional development in the UK’s regulated sector.

The Role

As a Graduate Risk & Compliance Analyst, you will support senior compliance officers and risk managers in monitoring internal controls, assessing regulatory compliance, and identifying potential areas of operational improvement.

The role is both analytical and investigative, offering exposure to real-world compliance challenges, from anti-money laundering and client onboarding to internal audit and risk reporting.

You’ll be trained to interpret regulations, conduct assurance reviews, and prepare reports for management committees and regulatory stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct monitoring activities to ensure adherence to FCA, PRA, and AML requirements
• Review client onboarding documentation, KYC checks, and ongoing due diligence processes
• Support internal audit teams with testing control effectiveness and preparing compliance reports
• Analyse operational data to detect potential risk exposures and process inefficiencies
• Assist in regulatory reporting and internal governance meetings
• Research and summarise regulatory updates and guidance relevant to the firm’s business areas
• Develop and maintain risk registers and compliance dashboards
• Collaborate with data, finance, and legal teams to ensure end-to-end control over client and financial data
• Participate in compliance training sessions and workshops to build expertise in UK financial conduct standards

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Law, or Data/Statistics-related fields
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with an eye for detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills suitable for professional reporting
• Awareness of UK regulatory frameworks (FCA Handbook, PRA supervision, and AML standards)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with compliance or risk software tools is a plus
• High ethical standards and interest in financial regulation, governance, and integrity

Desirable Attributes:

• Internship or project experience in finance, compliance, or risk management
• Knowledge of KYC, CDD, and transaction monitoring principles
• Understanding of data protection (GDPR) or information security controls
• Familiarity with Power BI, SQL, or data analytics tools for risk reporting
• Keen interest in financial technology and how regulation applies to fintech innovation

Career Progression & Development

• Structured Graduate Programme: 12-month rotational exposure across compliance, audit, and risk functions
• Professional Sponsorship: Support for CPD-accredited compliance or risk qualifications (ICA, CISI, or equivalent)
• Hybrid Working Model: 3 days office / 2 days WFH once training is completed
• Mentorship: Guidance from senior compliance professionals and operational risk experts
• Career Pathway: Progression toward Risk Associate, Compliance Officer, and Risk Manager roles
• Benefits: 25 days annual leave, performance bonus, pension scheme, and study support

Why Join

This role provides one of the most future-proof pathways within finance. Risk and compliance expertise is increasingly essential to the stability and ethical conduct of UK financial institutions. You’ll gain first-hand insight into how financial firms are governed, regulated, and safeguarded, developing both technical and strategic skills that are transferable across the finance industry.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and a short cover letter (maximum 500 words) outlining your interest in financial regulation and what attracts you to a career in compliance and risk management. Candidates pre-screened by Talent Cast will have their applications submitted directly to the hiring institution without the need for a separate cover letter.