Rachael Christie
- [email protected]
- CeMAP Certified
- 033 0088 4407
Industry Details
- Years in the Industry: Started in Finance with Halifax in Feb 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 YCD (January 2019 – 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 (February 1994): Started as a receptionist, fast-tracked to service desk, then to the mortgage team, and eventually became a Mortgage Adviser at the branch in Havant.
- Various roles in other financial organizations, recruitment adviser in an employment agency, and administrative roles in a nursing home, handling client accounts, staff salaries, admin, HR, etc.
Additional Experience:
- Army Veteran: Prior experience in the Army before entering the finance industry.
- Ministry of Defence (MOD) Employee post-service: Transitioned to finance after leaving the MOD.
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.
Rachael's Case Studies
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.
