Head of Risk and Compliance

OnHires; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Electronic Money Institution (EMI) is seeking a Head of Risk & Compliance to ensure the integrity and security of its operations. This remote role involves developing compliance frameworks, managing teams, and driving operational excellence in a dynamic FinTech environment.

Benefits

Monthly investment in English learning

Yearly allocation for professional development

Flexible work environment

Paid vacation and sick leave

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in compliance within financial institutions.
• In-house experience with Electronic Money Institutions and high-risk sectors.
• Experience leading a team of 8+ members.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk and compliance framework.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement effective controls.
• Manage regulatory reporting and communication.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Professional certification in compliance (e.g., ACAMS, ICA)

Job description

Job Title:Head of Risk & Compliance (FinTech, EMI)
Location: Remote

Our client is a leading Electronic Money Institution (EMI) authorised by the FCA in the UK, FINTRAC in Canada, and MFSA in Malta, operates in 140 countries and over 25 industries. Offering multicurrency IBANs, merchant solutions, and mass payment options, the company provides premium and convenient payment services. With all features available through one platform and contract, the company is a preferred solution for local and international payments.

They are seeking an experienced compliance professional with a deep understanding of regulations, extensive expertise in the EMI and high-risk sectors, and a proven track record of developing and implementing robust compliance programs. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring the integrity and security of the company's operations, making a direct impact on its success and reputation.

You can expect

• Your Team/Streams: Onboarding KYC/KYB, Transaction Monitoring, Anti-Fraud, Regulatory Compliance. 25+ team members (Deputy/ Heads of Units/ Team Leads/ Specialists).
• Your Focus: Elevate compliance to operational excellence, driving continuous improvement through policy enhancement and advanced tools. Establish the company as an industry leader in global compliance, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and security.
• Autonomy: Your strategic thinking will be key to shaping the company’s compliance roadmap. You’ll be a trusted advisor in high-level decisions and long-term planning.
• Impactful work: You’ll play a key role in ensuring the integrity and security of the company’s operations, making a direct impact on the company’s success and reputation.
• Remote work: Work from anywhere with the flexibility to create your ideal work environment and maximise your efficiency.

Your regular tasks

Risk Management & Compliance Oversight:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive risk and compliance framework, including policies and procedures to mitigate AML/CFT, sanctions, fraud, and other regulatory risks.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement effective controls to address identified risks.
• Monitor and analyse regulatory changes, ensuring the company's compliance policies are updated and aligned with evolving requirements, particularly in payment regulations.
• Manage regulatory reporting and communication, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to relevant authorities.

Strategic Leadership & Communication:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the risk and compliance department, aligning with the company's overall business objectives.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on compliance matters, including risk assessments, regulatory changes, and performance metrics.
• Serve as a key point of contact for regulatory authorities and external auditors.
• Drive technological improvements within the compliance department, leveraging internal and external technologies to enhance efficiency.

Operational efficiency & Compliance processes management:

• Drive operational efficiency initiatives to streamline compliance processes and reduce processing times.
• Oversee the development and regular refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring their effective implementation and adherence across all units.
• Monitor KPIs to drive performance and accountability within compliance functions, with consistent application and ownership at the Head of Units level.
• Conduct regular audits and reviews of compliance processes to ensure adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership & Management:

• Directly manage teams, conduct regular performance evaluations, identify training needs, and implement development plans to enhance team capabilities.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Lead recruitment efforts for compliance professionals, ensuring the acquisition of top talent to support the company's growth.

Skills & qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the compliance sphere within financial institutions, with a minimum of 3 years of managerial experience.
• In-house experience with the Electronic Money Institution and high-risk is a must.
• Experience leading a team of 8+ team members is a must (ideally leading onboarding, transaction monitoring, regulatory compliance and anti-fraud teams).
• Strong understanding of relevant regulations and industry best practices in KYC, AML, and risk management.
• Experience working directly with regulatory bodies, including obtaining and supporting licensing processes, preparing regulatory reports, and successfully navigating regulatory audits.
• Experience managing compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful compliance programmes, including KYC, AML, and sanctions screening.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and rapidly evolving environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced level of English Proficiency, Fluent Ukrainian/Russian language.

As a plus:

• Experience working for an EMI company licensed by the FCA/FINTRAC/MFSA.
• Professional certification in compliance (e.g., ACAMS, ICA).

What’s In It For You

At the company, specialists are at the heart of their innovation and success. Joining their team means accessing unparalleled opportunities to grow, contribute, and thrive in a dynamic FinTech environment.

Empowerment Through Professional Development:

• Monthly investment in your English learning.
• Yearly allocation for advancing your professional expertise.

Unlock Your Potential:

• Transparent career growth with opportunities to achieve Lead roles within 1 year, Head roles in 2 years, and even C-level within 4 years, based on exceptional performance.
• Performance reviews are anchored in KPIs, ensuring recognition is merit-based.

Make a Lasting Impact:

• Work on unique projects where your contributions can reshape company-wide processes.
• Bring your ideas to the table and earn exceptional bonuses through their company's Ideas Hub.

Flexible and People-Centric Culture:

• Days of paid vacation annually, with the flexibility to transfer unused days or receive compensation.
• Days of paid sick leave annually, accommodating emergencies and medical needs.
• Additional holidays aligned with your local calendar.

Compensation & Incentives:

• Multiple payment options, including Private Entrepreneurship accounts or popular e-wallets.

Their Values:

At the company, they live by principles that drive them to excellence:

• Ownership & Initiative: Specialists who take charge and make a difference.
• Collaboration & Communication: Together, they achieve more by sharing ideas and insights.