Head of Funds Oversight

Waystone leads the way in specialist services for the asset management industry.

Partnering with institutional investors, investment funds and asset managers, Waystone builds, supports and protects investment structures and strategies worldwide.

With over 20 years’ experience and a comprehensive range of specialist services to its name, Waystone is now serving assets under management in excess of $2Tn. Waystone provides its clients with the guidance and tools to allow them to focus on managing their investment goals with confidence.

The Head of Funds Oversight will play a critical leadership role in shaping oversight strategy, driving process automation, and implementing a unified horizontal operating model across Waystone's UK, Ireland, and Luxembourg jurisdictions.  This role will lead the firm’s integration initiatives, enhancing governance frameworks, modernizing operational structures, and enabling operational alignment across regions. The successful candidate will lead the implementation of a horizontal operating model and manage cross-border functional alignment.

As Head of Fund Oversight, the individual will be instrumental in adapting the operating model to navigate the complex regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction serviced, embedding strong governance principles into the broader operational strategy, and reinforcing Waystone’s commitment to excellence in oversight and risk management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Change & Operational Transformation

• Leading change management initiatives to improve fund oversight mechanisms across UK, Ireland, and Luxembourg.

• Designing and executing a Targeted Operating Model, ensuring compliance with the relevant SLA’s governing activities under oversight.

• Standardise to a horizontal Target Operating Model across locations whilst meeting specific local substance and compliance requirements in each regulated entity
• Optimise service delivery through increased Centralised Operations with horizontal focus across RFS locations
• Re-structure functional teams of Fund Oversight while maintaining regulatory required oversight substance in core locations.
• Transform operational flow so that data input, report production, and initial review of output are completed by a single dedicated centre for each operational task.

Strategic Oversight & Governance

• Shape and execute the fund oversight framework across all three jurisdictions in line with CP86 (Ireland), CSSF requirements (Luxembourg), and UK FCA standards.
• Maintain group-wide standards in fund oversight by managing the initial review of the fund NAV and various components of the fund valuation process including - pricing of fund assets, fund costs and budgets, operational queries, and financial statement production.
• Ensure the implementation and continuous enhancement of a robust Operational Resilience framework across all jurisdictions, aligning with local regulatory expectations and global best practices.
• Lead scenario testing, impact tolerance assessments, and business continuity planning to ensure operational continuity under stress conditions.
• Maintain group-wide standards in product governance by managing the initial review of fund marketing materials, production of fund value/cost assessments, fund website documentation, and providing other product governance supports as required.
• Maintain accountability for ensuring that local teams have the reporting, tools, and transparency to deliver effective and compliant oversight.
• Provide initial review and challenge, of jurisdictional oversight outputs where required.
• Provide reporting and escalation to local teams in line with jurisdictional service requirements.
• Facilitate periodic reviews of funds oversight effectiveness across UK, Ireland, and Luxembourg to ensure sustained control.

Regulatory & Compliance Assurance

• Translate jurisdiction-specific regulatory developments that are communicated by the local teams into actionable oversight strategies.
• Ensure that all functions under oversight are monitored in a way that demonstrates compliance with regulatory requirements governing local teams:
• CP86 in Ireland (oversight & delegation governance)
• CSSF Circulars 18/698 and 22/806 in Luxembourg (substance, distribution oversight, and outsourcing)
• FCA's SMCR and related expectations in the UK
• Provide executive-level oversight to support regulatory inspections, thematic reviews, and formal submissions related to funds oversight, to assist in ensuring alignment with jurisdictional expectations and strategic governance standards.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to assess and integrate jurisdiction-specific requirements into the funds oversight framework.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure consistent messaging and governance expectations across jurisdictions through transparent communication and alignment meetings.
• Attend and contribute to internal regulated Board meetings as required, providing updates on fund oversight, operational resilience, and regulatory developments.
• Act as a key liaison between the oversight function and the Board, ensuring transparency and alignment on strategic priorities.

People Management Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing, cross-jurisdictional team across the UK, Ireland, Luxembourg and India.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across regions and functions.
• Align team objectives with regulatory and operational priorities in each jurisdiction.
• Promote consistency in oversight practices through regular communication and shared governance tools.
• Support team development through tailored training, feedback, and performance management.
• Ensure inclusive leadership and effective resource allocation across all jurisdictions.

Regulatory Responsibilities

• Take on a regulated role, if required by local regulation (e.g., SMF under UK SMCR, Designated Person under CP86, Conducting Officer under CSSF), ensuring full accountability for associated responsibilities.
• Meet all relevant fitness and probity standards and maintain ongoing compliance with jurisdictional expectations.
• Ensure that role profiles are updated to reflect any jurisdiction-specific regulatory responsibilities.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

• Minimum 15+ years in fund oversight, fund operations, or regulatory governance within asset management or fund services.
• Strong understanding of either UK, Irish, or Luxembourg financial regulations with a proven ability to quickly gain an understanding of the other jurisdictions.

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of fund structures (UCITS, AIFs), valuation methodologies, and product governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with regulatory regimes including FCA COLL/FUND, CBI CP86, CSSF Circulars, and MiFID II.
• Experience overseeing third-party administrators, transfer agents, fund accountants, and valuation agents.

Leadership & Soft Skills:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to lead through influence and governance rather than direct execution.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with Board-level presence.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.

Optional Qualifications:

• Compliance or governance certifications (e.g., ICA, CISI).