how to write a risk & compliance cv
I’ve spent over 25 years supporting professionals across the UK to move forward with confidence, and one thing I know for certain is this: a well-written Risk & Compliance CV can completely change the trajectory of your career. Whether you’re targeting roles in banking, financial services, insurance, fintech, professional services or the public sector, your CV must clearly demonstrate trust, credibility and commercial awareness.
The purpose of a Risk & Compliance CV is not to list responsibilities. Its job is to show how you protect organisations, enable ethical growth and manage regulatory complexity. Hiring managers want evidence of judgement, influence and impact. Your CV should make them feel safe choosing you.
start with a focused professional profile
Your opening profile is prime real estate. In four to six lines, position yourself as a credible risk and compliance professional with a clear specialism. This could include regulatory compliance, operational risk, enterprise risk management, AML, financial crime, governance, data protection or audit.
Use language that reflects the UK market and regulated environments. Mention experience with FCA frameworks, GDPR, ISO standards, internal controls or regulatory reporting where relevant. A strong profile immediately signals that you understand risk culture, proportionality and accountability.
structure your cv for clarity and confidence
A Risk & Compliance CV should be clean, logical and easy to navigate. I recommend the following structure: professional profile, key skills, career history, education and professional certifications. This mirrors how recruiters read CVs and allows them to quickly assess suitability.
Avoid dense blocks of text. Use short paragraphs and concise bullet points. In risk and compliance roles, clarity is a strength, and your CV should reflect that mindset.
highlight skills that matter in risk and compliance
Your key skills section should be tailored to the role you are targeting. Generic lists don’t inspire confidence. Instead, align your skills with regulatory compliance, risk assessment, control testing, policy development, monitoring, investigations, stakeholder engagement and audit liaison.
Include technical and behavioural skills. Employers want professionals who can interpret regulation, advise the business and challenge constructively. If you have experience embedding compliance frameworks or strengthening risk governance, say so clearly.
show impact, not just responsibility
This is where many Risk & Compliance CVs fall short. Listing duties such as “responsible for compliance monitoring” doesn’t tell the reader what changed because you were there. Instead, focus on outcomes.
For example, explain how you reduced regulatory risk, improved audit outcomes, strengthened controls or supported successful regulatory reviews. Quantify results where possible, such as reducing incidents, improving compliance ratings or supporting business growth within regulatory boundaries.
This approach is particularly powerful for compliance manager CVs and senior risk roles, where influence and decision-making are critical.
demonstrate regulatory and commercial awareness
UK employers value professionals who understand that compliance supports sustainable growth. Your CV should show that you balance regulatory requirements with commercial realities.
Mention experience working with senior stakeholders, advising boards, supporting product launches or managing regulatory change. This positions you as a trusted advisor rather than a box-ticker, which is essential in modern risk management roles.
include qualifications and professional credibility
Risk & Compliance is a profession built on credibility. Include relevant qualifications such as ICA, ACAMS, IRM, CIMA, ACCA or legal training where applicable. Also reference ongoing professional development, which reassures employers that your knowledge remains current.
If you’ve worked across different regulatory environments or sectors, this breadth can be a real advantage, so don’t hide it.
tailor your cv for every application
A strong Risk & Compliance CV is never generic. Each role will emphasise different risks, regulations and priorities. Tailoring your CV to reflect the job description dramatically increases interview success.
Use the same terminology as the employer, particularly around regulatory compliance, governance and risk frameworks. This improves both human engagement and applicant tracking system performance.
final thoughts from someone who’s seen it all
I’ve helped thousands of professionals move into better roles, higher salaries and more fulfilling careers. When your CV clearly communicates your value, confidence follows naturally. Risk & Compliance professionals are in demand, but only those who present themselves strategically truly stand out.
Risk and Compliance cv sample
If you want your Risk & Compliance CV and LinkedIn profile to reflect your experience, credibility and potential, I’d be delighted to help. Book an appointment with me, Jerry Frempong, or one of CVLondon’s expert CV writers and take the next confident step in your career today.
