Craig Smith

Compliance & Risk Analyst with 20 years of experience in the pensions sector, focused on regulatory compliance, risk controls and investment operations. Experienced in completing FCA and HMRC returns, auditing processes, strengthening risk frameworks and training operational teams on regulatory requirements. Brings strong investment analysis, process improvement and stakeholder communication skills to support accurate, timely compliance delivery in asset management.

Compliance & Risk Analyst at @sipp Limited

Ensure timely completion and submission of regulatory FCA/HMRC returns. Audit business processes to identify good and poor practices. Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework. Train operations teams on new regulatory developments.

• Completed FCA/HMRC returns accurately within deadlines.
• Identified and mitigated risks through thorough auditing.
• Enhanced risk management framework, improving compliance.
• Delivered training on regulatory updates to operational staff.

Pensions Administrator at @sipp Limited

Administered pension activities including Transfers In/Out, Contributions, Death Benefits, Divorce settlements, Drawdown, 3rd Party Loans, and Unlisted Share Purchases. Prepared quarterly PSD reports for FCA and monthly PP10 reports for HMRC. Executed reports for 75 LTA tests, non-standard investments, and conducted monthly PSD checks.

• Administered client portfolio transfers and contributions, supporting accurate and timely pension operations.
• Produced timely reports in line with regulatory standards.

Senior Pensions Administrator at Hornbuckle Mitchell Group Limited

Oversaw property purchases and sales, ensuring satisfactory conclusions. Cultivated relationships with Financial Advisers and members, enhancing communication and service delivery. Supported team supervisor in meeting targets and operational goals.

• Built effective relationships with advisers and members through clear, responsive communication.

Lead Operations Administrator at Curtis Banks Plc

Oversaw review of complex investments, including unquoted equities and hedge funds, ensuring alignment with Curtis Banks Plc SIPP requirements. Facilitated training for the Investments Team on intricate investment strategies. Managed administration of both standard and complex investments, along with disinvestments. Evaluated complex investments to support the Investments Team. Cultivated relationships with key financial advisers. Delivered technical expertise on pensions legislation.

• Reviewed complex investments for suitability within the SIPP framework.
• Trained the Investments Team on advanced investment methodologies.
• Developed strong working relationships with financial advisers.

Lead Operations Administrator at Alliance Trust Savings Limited

Oversaw the Full SIPP valuations project, guaranteeing timely annual valuation statements for all clients. Administered standard and complex investments, including disinvestments. Conducted user acceptance testing for new systems, ensuring functionality and user satisfaction. Verified valuations for the valuations team, enhancing accuracy and reliability. Trained the Investments Team on in-specie contributions, improving operational efficiency.

• Streamlined administration processes for complex investments.
• Improved team knowledge of in-specie contributions.

Senior Property Administrator at Alliance Trust Savings Limited

Oversaw a portfolio of 200 properties, handling property purchases, sales, and administrative tasks. Completed quarterly VAT returns accurately and on time. Evaluated property purchases to ensure compliance within SIPP regulations. Assessed borrowing activities to confirm adherence to borrowing limits.

• Managed property transactions to support efficient operational processing.
• Monitored borrowing strategies to ensure compliance with financial limits.

BA Hons in Financial Services