Location: London
Sector: Banking / Financial Services

The Opportunity

Sayer Haworth has been retained on a confidential basis by a highly regarded UK-regulated specialist bank seeking to appoint an Independent Non-Executive Director to serve as Chair of the Audit Committee and approved SMF11 holder.

This is an opportunity to join the Board of a well-established and strategically positioned financial institution operating within a specialist and internationally connected banking model. The organisation has a strong reputation within its target markets, a differentiated customer proposition, and a highly experienced Board and Executive leadership team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the continued development of the Bank’s governance, financial oversight, audit, and regulatory framework while providing constructive challenge and independent judgement at Board level.

The appointment follows the planned rotation of an existing Independent Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair.

The Role

The Independent Non-Executive Director will join the Boards of both the Bank and its holding company and will chair the Audit Committee whilst also sitting on a number of key Board Committees.

The role carries responsibility for oversight of financial reporting integrity, internal audit independence, compliance oversight, whistleblowing governance, and the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management arrangements.

The successful individual will work closely with the Chair, CEO, CFO, CRO, regulators, auditors, and fellow Non-Executive Directors to support the continued safe and effective operation of the Bank.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Chairing the Board Audit Committee and setting the Committee agenda
• Providing independent challenge and oversight across financial reporting, audit, governance, and internal controls
• Safeguarding the independence and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function in accordance with UK regulatory expectations
• Overseeing the effectiveness and independence of the Compliance function
• Supporting the Board in maintaining a strong governance and risk management framework
• Acting as Whistleblowing Champion and overseeing the effectiveness of whistleblowing arrangements
• Reviewing the integrity of financial information, balance sheet management, and associated control frameworks
• Contributing to Board discussions relating to strategy, capital, liquidity, risk appetite, and regulatory developments
• Supporting strong engagement with the PRA and FCA
• Participating in Board Risk, Board Credit, and Nomination & Remuneration Committees
• Providing constructive challenge to Executive Management whilst supporting the long-term strategic development of the organisation

The role requires an individual capable of balancing strong governance oversight with a collaborative and commercially aware approach.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is likely to bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience within banking, financial services, professional services, or a regulated financial institution
• Previous experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Audit Partner, or senior financial services executive
• Strong understanding of UK banking regulation, governance, audit, and risk frameworks
• Deep knowledge of UK credit markets, structured finance, treasury, and balance sheet management
• Experience interacting with regulators and operating within regulated Board environments
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management capability with a collaborative and low-ego leadership style
• Ability to provide robust independent challenge and strategic oversight at Board level
• High levels of integrity, judgement, and personal credibility

The following experience would be viewed favourably:

• Previous Non-Executive Director experience within financial services
• Prior experience as Chair of Audit Committee or Deputy Audit Chair
• ICAAP, prudential regulation, or capital management expertise
• Experience leading internal or external audit tender processes
• International or cross-border financial services experience
• IPO, capital raising, or business sale transaction experience

Time Commitment

The role involves attendance at quarterly Board meetings alongside Committee meetings and associated preparation time.

The Opportunity

This appointment offers the opportunity to join the Board of a highly respected specialist bank operating within a unique and differentiated market position.

The successful candidate will contribute to the strategic oversight, governance, and long-term development of a growing institution with strong shareholder backing, international connectivity, and a clear long-term vision.