CiliaFormosa Financial Advisors Ltd is a Malta-based investment firm licensed by the MFSA to provide investment advisory and non-advisory (execution/reception & transmission of orders) services. We are seeking an experienced compliance professional to take up the combined role of Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). The successful candidate will be supported by a Compliance Analyst, whom they will oversee and direct in carrying out the role.

This is a senior, "controlled function" appointment. The successful candidate will be the firm's primary point of contact with the relevant Authorities and will hold ultimate day-to-day responsibility for the firm's compliance and financial crime prevention frameworks, while overseeing the work of the Compliance Analyst supporting the function.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Officer

Establish, maintain and lead an effective, independent compliance function in line with the Investment Services Act, MFSA Rulebooks and ESMA.
Monitor and periodically assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the firm's policies, procedures and internal controls, and the corrective measures taken to address any deficiencies.
Advise and assist the Board, senior management and relevant persons in meeting the firm's regulatory and legal obligations.
Act as the firm's principal liaison with the MFSA, managing notifications, regulatory returns, on-site inspections and ad hoc information requests.
Maintain the compliance monitoring programme, compliance manual, and Board compliance reporting.
Keep abreast of regulatory developments (MiFID II/MiFIR, Investment Services Act, MFSA Rules) and update internal frameworks accordingly.
Supervise and oversee the day-to-day work of a Compliance Analyst, who will provide operational support across compliance and AML/CFT tasks.

MLRO

Act as the firm's Money Laundering Reporting Officer under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (PMLFTR), and FIAU Implementing Procedures.
Own and maintain the firm's Business Risk Assessment, AML/CFT policies and procedures.
Oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD/EDD), ongoing monitoring, and transaction screening.
Review internal suspicious activity reports and, where warranted, file Suspicious Transaction/Activity Reports (STRs/SARs) with the FIAU via goAML.
Act as the FIAU's main point of contact and coordinate FIAU examinations.
Deliver AML/CFT training to staff and report periodically to the Board on the effectiveness of the AML/CFT framework.

Candidate Profile

Minimum 3–5 years' relevant experience in compliance, AML/CFT and/or risk management within a Malta-licensed investment firm, fund manager, credit institution, or similar regulated financial services entity.
Sound working knowledge of the Investment Services Act, MFSA Rulebooks, PMLA/PMLFTR, FIAU Implementing Procedures, and DORA.
Working knowledge of the EU Investment Firms Regulation/Directive (IFR/IFD) prudential framework, risk management and internal capital/risk assessment processes for investment firms would be considered an asset.
Prior experience supervising or mentoring junior compliance staff is an advantage.
Prior approval (or eligibility for approval) by the MFSA to hold Compliance Officer and/or MLRO controlled functions; existing MFSA/FIAU approval is an advantage.
Relevant qualification (e.g., ICA Diploma in AML, Compliance qualification, law/finance degree) is highly desirable.
Practical experience with Business Continuity Planning, Business Impact Analysis, or ICT/operational risk frameworks; DORA implementation experience is a strong plus.
Strong analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with the Board, the MFSA and the FIAU.
High degree of integrity, independence of judgement and discretion; a clean regulatory and professional record.
Fluency in English is required; Maltese is an asset.

What we Offer

A senior role combining Compliance Officer and MLRO leadership, supported day-to-day by a dedicated Compliance Analyst.
Direct exposure to the Board and senior management, with genuine influence over the firm's control framework.
Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience, qualifications and hours committed.
Ongoing professional development and support for relevant certifications.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and covering letter, together with details of any current or past MFSA/FIAU approvals held, to dscerriaxiaq@ciliaformosa.com.

All appointments to Compliance Officer and MLRO functions are subject to prior approval by the Malta Financial Services Authority, including submission of a Personal Questionnaire (PQ) in the prescribed form.

Compliance Officer & MLRO

Job Description