Helping Firms Discover Intelligent Advantage Through Systemic Design

Designing and Building Bespoke Governance and Regulatory Control (GRC) Frameworks for Banks, Building Societies and other FCA-regulated Firms

BespokeGRC – Our Expertise and Approach

  • Bespoke GRC has extensive experience in designing and implementing effective Governance and Regulatory Control Frameworks for Banks and other Financial Services firms. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and the practical application of governance principles.

    Bespoke GRC® is a registered trading name and trademark of Philosophes Consulting Limited. Since 2016, we have been supporting UK Dual & Solo Regulated entities in delivering advanced Governance, Regulation, and Control (GRC) framework solutions. We apply sound governance principles and adhere to FSMA regulations, with a strong focus on the Senior Managers and Certification Regimes (SM & CR) to help firms navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance.

Industry Expertise – Governance, Regulatory Engagement, and Compliance

  • Regulatory interpretation of: CMA Retail Banking Market Investigation Order (2017) for breakthrough in Open Banking, PSD2, Mortgage Credit Directive and MCOB updates, PRIN, SYSC, COND, AND COCON

  • Regulatory engagement with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Central Bank of Ireland (CBoI)

  • Various roles across UK financial services as a senior manager / consultant including: Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays Wealth, Ulster Bank Group, (RBS), Allied Irish Banks, Open Banking Implementation Entity, OSB Group, Wealthtime, Novia Global, Saltus, Coventry Building Society, Arbuthnot Latham, HFC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank.”

Satellite View of USA at Night

Governance and Regulatory Control

Helping Firms prepare for Regulatory Scrutiny, and the maintaining of Threshold Conditions

  • In an era of increasing social, political, and economic scrutiny, organisations in the public eye face a heightened demand for transparency and accountability. Achieving and maintaining high standards of governance and regulatory compliance is no longer optional; it’s a critical requirement for any organisation.

    The growing emphasis on individual accountability within a firm’s governing body and senior management reinforces the need for robust, well-documented governance and regulatory control frameworks. These frameworks are not just about compliance; they are about demonstrating how an organisation oversees its regulated activities, ensuring both internal integrity and external trust.

    At Bespoke GRC, we specialise in building and maintaining Governance and Regulatory Control Frameworks that enable firms to clearly evidence how they manage and oversee compliance.

    This is essential for fulfilling statutory responsibilities and ensuring adherence to the expectations set by regulatory bodies.

Governance & Conduct Leadership

  • Advising Boards and Executive Leadership on integrity of governance structures, SM&CR and Conduct compliance risk, and strategic regulatory alignment.

  • Designed and Delivered Board and Committee structures, Terms of Reference, Minutes templates, and Delegation of Authority frameworks.

  • Developed Reasonable Steps Attestation processes for Regulatory and Conduct Risk Compliance, ensuring transparency and individual accountability.

  • 10 years of leading governance and SMCR transformation programmes for Major Banks, Mortgage Lenders, Investment Platforms, Insurers, and other FCA-Regulated Financial Services Firms.

Satellite Over Land

Proven track record: Over 40 years of regulatory leadership & governance expertise.

High-impact, pragmatic solutions: Governance, SM&CR, Conduct & Ethics.

Trusted by Boards & Executives: Deep strategic insight into compliance challenges.

Navigating the intersection of regulation, risk, and organisational viability.

Education & Professional Qualifications

Member of the UK Cybernetics Society (MCybS)

Chartered Fellow & Chartered Manager (CMgr FCMI)

Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration | University of Wales

Professional Certificate in Management | Open University

SM&CR & Conduct Framework Specialist | London Institute of Banking & Finance (MLIBF)

Advanced Corporate Governance Studies | Institute of Directors (MIoD)

Recent Consulting Engagements

Banking & Financial Services

Saltus (2024-2025): SM&CR Compliance & Governance Enhancement.

Novia Financial plc / Novia Global (2023-2024): SM&CR Corporate Governance Frameworks.

Lloyds Banking Group (2018): SM&CR Corporate Governance lead, aligning SMFs and control functions.

Open Banking Limited (2019): CMA Retail Banking Investigation Order & PSD2 regulatory compliance.

Ulster Bank Group (RBS) (2012-2015): Regulatory Intelligence & Interpretation, focusing on Irish mortgage conduct risk.

Wealth & Insurance

ICSR (Insurance Client) (2023-2024): Governance & SM&CR implementation for insurers.

OSB Group (OneSavings Bank) (2015-2017): Head of Regulatory Affairs, SM&CR and Conduct implementation.

Interested in utilising our expertise?

Send your requirements to info@bespokegrc.co.uk and we will contact you within 24 hours.

The Art and Craft of Governance & Leadership – (Coming Soon)

Navigating Paradoxical Dynamics of Certainty and Uncertainty in Organisations

In an era where organisations must constantly balance stability and adaptability, governance and innovation, control and creativity, the anthology provides a deep exploration of how institutions and leaders can navigate these paradoxes effectively

This four-volume anthology examines the historical evolution of governance, the shift toward adaptive and complex systems, the role of leadership in innovation and sustainability, and the future of governance in an increasingly uncertain world