Head of Compliance

Job description

🎯 Role Overview

The Head of Compliance is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a robust compliance framework across PaySaxas' operations in their respective jurisdiction. This role ensures that the company operates in full compliance with local and international regulatory requirements, including AML/CFT obligations, licensing obligations, data protection, and financial conduct standards within the scope of the AML/Compliance function. The Head of Compliance will lead the compliance team, act as the key liaison with regulators, and provide strategic guidance to senior management on compliance risks and governance.

💼 Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance Management

- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including licensing and reporting obligations specific to the jurisdiction:

- Finland (EMI): European and Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority regulations, PSD2, e-money directives.

- Finland (CASP): Bank of Finland regulations, AML/CFT laws, and crypto-asset service provider obligations.

- Canada (MSB/PSP): FINTRAC regulations, Payments Canada rules, and federal and/or provincial PSP licensing requirements within the scope of the AML/Compliance function.

- Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and provide proactive guidance to management and business units.

AML/CFT Oversight

- Develop, maintain, and enforce Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing programs.

- Oversee customer due diligence (CDD/KYC), enhanced due diligence (EDD), transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting.

Compliance Program Development

- Design, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and controls that ensure adherence to regulatory obligations.

- Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to evaluate compliance effectiveness.

Governance and Reporting

- Serve as the primary point of contact for regulators and external auditors.

- Prepare compliance reports for the Board, senior management, and regulators.

- Advise business units on regulatory matters, emerging risks, and compliance best practices.

Training and Awareness

- Lead compliance training programs for staff across all departments.

- Promote a culture of compliance and ethical behavior within the organization.

Incident Management

- Investigate compliance breaches or incidents and coordinate remediation plans.

- Ensure timely reporting to regulators as required.

Team Management

- Lead and manage the Compliance department, setting clear goals and priorities.

- Define team structure and roles, ensuring clear allocation of responsibilities across the Compliance department.

- Oversee the performance of the Compliance team, ensuring effective execution of AML/CFT processes and regulatory compliance activities.

- Oversee day-to-day Compliance operations, ensuring efficient resource allocation and KPI achievement.

- Drive a culture of accountability, integrity, and regulatory awareness across the Compliance function.

Risk Management

- Oversee AML/CFT, sanctions, compliance, and regulatory risks identified within the organization and ensure their mitigation.

- Track key risk indicators and ensure timely escalation of risk exposure to the Board.

- Maintain and enhance the AML/Compliance risk management framework.

- Conduct a regular review of the AML/Compliance risk management framework.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

- Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

- A master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CAMS, ACAMS, ICA, CCEP, CFCS) is highly desirable.

Professional Experience

- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in compliance, risk management, or regulatory affairs within financial services.

- At least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role, managing compliance teams and reporting to executive management or the Board.

- Demonstrated experience implementing and managing compliance programs across regulated financial entities, including AML/CFT, KYC/CDD, transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting.

- Proven track record of successful interaction with regulatory authorities, audits, and inspections.

- Experience with digital financial services is preferred, including e-money institutions, crypto-asset service providers, and payment service providers.

Skills and Competencies

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

- Ability to develop and enforce policies and procedures across multiple jurisdictions.

- High ethical standards, integrity, and professional credibility.

- Ability to anticipate regulatory changes and provide proactive guidance.

📊 Success Metrics

- Regulatory Compliance: Zero regulatory breaches; timely submission of all required reports.

- Risk Management: Effective identification and mitigation of compliance risks; reduction in compliance incidents.

- Policy and Procedures: Compliance policies and procedures are implemented, up-to-date, and followed across departments.

- AML/CFT Performance: High-risk clients monitored, SARs submitted on time, and process gaps minimized.

- Team and Stakeholder Management: Engaged, well-trained compliance team; positive internal feedback.

- Regulatory Engagement: Strong relationships with regulators; timely resolution of queries and findings.

- Continuous Improvement: Implementation of process and system enhancements to improve efficiency and reduce risk.

🎁 What We Offer

- Contract: Secure and transparent B2B contract.

- Flexibility: 100% remote work environment with the freedom to manage your schedule.

- Growth: Opportunity to lead commercial operations in an agile, licensed EU financial institution scaling globally.