About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Compliance to join a start-up financial institution operating within the payments and financial services sector.

This is a senior compliance leadership role responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the AML/CFT framework, managing compliance processes, and supporting the continued growth of the business within a robust regulatory environment.

Working closely with senior leadership and the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), you will play a key role in shaping compliance operations, enhancing risk management processes, and building a scalable compliance function capable of supporting future growth across multiple financial products and services.

Key Responsibilities

AML/CFT Operations

Lead the day-to-day execution of the AML/CFT programme.
Oversee transaction monitoring activities, sanctions screening, PEP screening, and adverse media reviews.
Review compliance alerts, investigate escalations, and support suspicious activity reporting processes.
Monitor the effectiveness of compliance controls and identify opportunities for improvement.
Prepare compliance reporting and management information for senior leadership.

Client Onboarding & Due Diligence

Manage the onboarding and ongoing monitoring of institutional and corporate clients.
Conduct and oversee Know Your Business (KYB) reviews, risk assessments, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures.
Assess complex ownership structures, ultimate beneficial ownership arrangements, and higher-risk customer profiles.
Maintain customer risk rating methodologies and ensure periodic reviews are completed within required timeframes.
Develop and enhance onboarding procedures to support business growth while maintaining regulatory standards.

Compliance Framework & Governance

Implement and maintain AML/CFT policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Support the ongoing development of enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk assessments.
Manage regulatory reporting schedules, compliance calendars, and policy review cycles.
Draft and maintain standard operating procedures across compliance activities.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of compliance processes, systems, and governance frameworks.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and mentor compliance team members, providing technical guidance and support.
Allocate workloads, review performance, and foster professional development within the team.
Support future recruitment and scaling of the compliance function as the organisation grows.
Act as a key compliance partner to operational, onboarding, product, and leadership teams.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

Support the compliance design and implementation of new payment products and services.
Assist with the development of compliance frameworks for card issuing, acquiring, and other regulated financial products.
Ensure evolving business activities remain aligned with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.

Requirements

Essential

Preferably 5 years' experience within AML/CFT, compliance, financial crime, or regulatory functions in a regulated financial institution, payment institution, EMI, or banking environment.
Professional qualification such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent.
Strong practical experience in corporate onboarding, KYB reviews, customer risk assessments, and Enhanced Due Diligence.
Hands-on experience with transaction monitoring systems and financial crime controls.
Strong understanding of European AML/CFT legislation and risk-based compliance frameworks.
Previous experience managing or mentoring compliance professionals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Highly Desirable

Experience within a Malta-regulated financial institution.
Exposure to payments, fintech, iGaming, digital assets, crypto, or other higher-risk sectors.
Familiarity with transaction monitoring and customer onboarding platforms.
Knowledge of PSD2, payment services regulation, and emerging European regulatory developments.
Experience supporting compliance functions through periods of growth and regulatory change.

What's on Offer

An attractive remuneration package and long-term development prospects.
Opportunity to join a start-up company during an exciting phase of growth.
Significant exposure to senior management and strategic decision-making.
A leadership role with genuine influence over compliance operations and business growth.
Career progression opportunities as the organisation expands its product offering and market presence.

Head of Compliance (Remote)

Job Description