Rachael Christie CeMAP (Compliance Support Manager)

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Rachael Christie

Compliance Support Manager

Rachael is a skilled Compliance Support Manager with extensive experience in finance and operations management. Her diverse background, including roles in the Army, MOD, and various financial positions, enhances her expertise in regulatory compliance and operational excellence within the mortgage industry.

Industry Details

Years in the Industry: Started in finance with Halifax in February 1994, where I ended up as a Mortgage Adviser and obtained CeMAP in 1999.
Specialisations: Mortgage advising, operations management, compliance support
Certifications: Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP)

Professional Experience

Current Role: As a Compliance Support Manager, my responsibilities involve conducting random checks on mortgage and protection cases to ensure compliance with FCA requirements, market regulatory policies, and our own internal procedures. I perform Enhanced IDV checks, complete Suitability Reports on behalf of Advisers, and carry out annual regulatory testing of staff. My role also encompasses a variety of other tasks that contribute to maintaining and enhancing our operational compliance and service quality.

Previous Roles

Mortgage Researcher to Mortgage Adviser at YesCanDo Money (January 2019 to present): Progressed from researching mortgage options to advising clients directly.
Head of Operations at a mortgage packager (until 2008): Managed operations until the company went into administration.
Mortgage Adviser at Halifax (from February 1994): Started as a receptionist, fast-tracked to the service desk, then to the mortgage team, and eventually became a Mortgage Adviser at the branch in Havant.
Various roles in other financial organisations, a recruitment adviser role in an employment agency, and administrative roles in a nursing home handling client accounts, staff salaries, admin and HR.

Additional Experience

Army veteran: Served in the Army before entering the finance industry.
Ministry of Defence: Worked for the MOD after leaving the Army, then moved into finance.

Rachael’s Personal Interests and Hobbies

Outside of work, I cherish spending quality time with friends and family, enjoying a good glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Music is also a big part of my life, providing a great backdrop for gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. These moments are my perfect way to unwind and reconnect.

Questions & Answers

Why did you choose a career in mortgage advising?

After initially working in various roles and not having a clear career path, I started at Halifax where I began as a receptionist and was quickly promoted to working on the service desk. This exposed me to client accounts and general savings, which piqued my interest in finance. Eventually, I moved into the mortgage team and grew to appreciate the impact and challenges of mortgage advising. The dynamic nature of the work and the satisfaction of helping clients made me stay in this field.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding aspect of my role as a Compliance Support Manager is knowing that my work ensures the integrity and accuracy of the mortgage advising process. While I may not interact directly with clients, I play a crucial part in making sure that the advice and services provided by our advisers meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance. This indirectly aids individuals and families in securing their homes safely and responsibly. Ensuring that our advisers are well-supported and that our processes are robust contributes significantly to the successful outcomes for clients, which is deeply fulfilling.

How has your previous experience in various sectors contributed to your current role in compliance support?

My background in the Army, MOD, and various financial roles has given me a strong foundation in discipline and attention to detail—essential for compliance. These experiences have equipped me with a thorough understanding of regulatory environments and financial operations, allowing me to effectively anticipate and address compliance issues in my current role. This helps ensure our processes meet, if not exceed, regulatory standards, safeguarding our company’s integrity and customer trust.

Case Studies from Rachael

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Case Study 1

Uncovering Fraud in Mortgage Documentation

In my role as a Compliance Support Manager, I recently identified fraudulent documents during routine compliance checks. While performing Enhanced IDV checks, I noticed inconsistencies in a set of bank statements and payslips submitted for a mortgage application. The formatting errors and irregular transaction patterns raised my suspicions. Upon closer inspection, I confirmed the documents were altered. This discovery prevented potential financial fraud and reinforced the importance of thorough documentation review in protecting our clients and company from illegal activities. My proactive approach ensures compliance with FCA standards and maintains the integrity of our mortgage processing.

Case Study 2

Spotting a Potential Issue Before It Became a Problem

One case that has stayed with me involved a routine compliance review where something just didn’t feel right. As I looked through the documents, I noticed a few inconsistencies that needed further investigation. After carrying out additional checks, it became clear that some of the information had been altered. By identifying the issue early, we were able to stop the application before it progressed any further, helping protect both the lender and our business. It’s a reminder that compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about paying attention to the details and making sure every application is genuine, giving everyone confidence in the process. I think this version is stronger for a public-facing adviser page because it avoids giving away exactly what fraud indicators your compliance team looks for, while still demonstrating Rachel’s expertise.