Chief Compliance Officer

Chief Compliance Officer

Build the future with us 

The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) oversees all aspects of regulatory compliance for the firm, which is one of Canada’s largest independent CIRO dealers. This role also supports iA Capital Markets, a mid-market capital markets business with a retail focus. This role involves developing and implementing compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, providing training where necessary and ensuring the firm’s adherence to regulatory standards. The CCO also supervises trading activities, ensuring compliance in portfolio management, complex products and alternative investments. Reporting to the President/CEO, the CCO will ensure that both advisors and internal staff operate within the legal and ethical standards of the industry.

What you’ll accomplish with us 

• Compliance Program Development: Continually design and implement the firm’s compliance program to align with Canadian regulatory standards.

• Trading Oversight: Oversee trading activities, including monitoring securities transactions, managing credit and cash flow and handling trade error resolution.

• Portfolio Management Compliance: Ensure compliance with best practices in portfolio management, complex products and alternative investments, supporting advisors in navigating these areas.

• Policy Implementation: Develop, maintain, and enforce compliance policies, procedures, and protocols across the firm.

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Conduct regular risk assessments, identify potential regulatory issues, and implement corrective measures as needed.

• Training and Education: Provide compliance training to advisors and internal team members, ensuring they understand and adhere to Canadian regulatory requirements.

• Monitoring and Auditing: Perform regular audits and reviews of the firm’s practices, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.

• Regulatory Knowledge Maintenance: Stay current with regulatory developments in both Canada and the United Sates, maintaining compliance with the SEC, CIRO and Canadian Securities Administrators (OSC). Attend applicable industry events and forums to stay abreast of the changing regulatory landscape and various industry initiatives, issues and best practices.

• Reporting and Communication: Keep the President and board updated on compliance activities, regulatory changes, and risk management initiatives.

• Regulatory Filing and Record-Keeping: Ensure all required filings are completed accurately and timely, maintaining organized records for audits or regulatory reviews.

• Collaboration & Integration: Work with CCOs, Risk Officers and Legal heads of iA affiliates to ensure a consistent compliance standard that leverages the strengths and expertise of the wider organization (iA Financial Group).

• Experience at senior levels in compliance management within Canadian Retail Platforms. Ideally, CCO experience and / or Head of Tier 1 and / or Tier 2 Supervision at major Canadian dealer.

• Strong knowledge of Canadian regulatory compliance requirements.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risk and implement practical solutions.

• Ability to communicate complex compliance issues clearly and effectively to a diverse advisor network and internal team.

• The CCO is a regulatory prescribed position, the candidate must meet the qualification requirements as established by CIRO, AMF etc.

• The individual must also be registered on the National Registration Database (NRD), or have previously been registered on the NRD

• Minimum 10 years in compliance, regulatory, or legal roles within the financial services industry, with experience in trading, portfolio management and alternative investments preferred.

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in both the U.S. (SEC/FINRA) and Canada, or the ability and willingness to develop expertise in cross-border regulation. *Note: iA Private Wealth USA is a separately registered entity, but supporting iA Private Wealth (Canada) advisors.

• Deep understanding of securities trading, trade error resolution, credit and cash management, as well as experience in complex products and alternative investments.

• Proven experience in managing or overseeing compliance teams and programs, with a record of effectively implementing compliance policies and collaborating with various teams.

• Strong Problem-solving and risk assessment capabilities, with the ability to develop compliance solutions that support business objectives.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to convey complex regulatory requirements clearly and guide advisors and team members effectively. 

• Advanced knowledge of French, as the person will be required to communicate, report, or give oral presentations 90% of the time to both internal and external partners on a weekly basis.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Law or a related field is required.

• Professional Certifications: Relevant certifications, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), or Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) are advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to industry expertise

• Regulatory and Compliance Licensing:  Canada: PDO (Required), CCO (Required), CSC, CPH, Branch Managers and Options Supervisor are desirable, with ongoing education to maintain compliance with Canadian regulatory standards.

Good to know:

• Occasional Travel for Business Meetings and Conferences

• Hybrid working (Minimum 5-8 business days / month in office – Toronto or Montreal)

Why you’ll love working with us 

· A work environment where learning and development merge with a collective pursuit of excellence; 

· A healthy, safe, fair, and inclusive environment where potential can be freely expressed and developed; 

· The opportunity to work in a hybrid environment, supported by flexibility and access to inspiring and innovative workspaces; 

· Competitive benefits: Flexible group insurance, competitive pension plan, stock purchase plan, vacation and wellness/personal development days, telemedicine, employee and family assistance program, ergonomic furniture program, performance bonus, discounts on iA products, and much more! 

Apply now and get ahead of your career, where your talent really belongs! 

Still unsure about applying?  

At iA, we believe in potential and value diverse experiences. If this role inspires you, go ahead and apply – your place might be with us, and we want to get to know you!