Compliance Officer/MLRO

Compliance Officer / Money Laundering Reporting Officer (CO/MLRO) – Hong Kong MSO

Company

TransBridge Advisors (on behalf of a client)

Location

Hong Kong (Remote / Hybrid)

Employment type

Part-time / Fractional / Hourly Contract

Compensation

Competitive hourly rate, based on experience

Potential

Potential to transition to full-time following license approval

About the Opportunity

TransBridge Advisors is seeking an experienced Compliance Officer / Money Laundering Reporting Officer (CO/MLRO) on behalf of a client establishing a regulated Money Service Operator (MSO) business in Hong Kong.

The client is currently in the pre-operational stage and preparing to submit an MSO licence application to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED).

We are looking for a compliance professional with strong knowledge of Hong Kong's AML/CTF regulatory framework and practical experience supporting MSO licensing applications, compliance programme development, and regulatory engagement.

This is initially a fractional, part-time, hourly engagement, with responsibilities focused on licensing preparation and regulatory approval. There is potential for the position to transition into a full-time role once the MSO licence is granted and operations commence.

Key Responsibilities

MSO Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

• Support preparation and submission of the Hong Kong MSO licence application to C&ED.
• Review and develop AML/CTF policies, procedures, risk assessments, and compliance documentation.
• Advise on regulatory requirements under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO).
• Assist with regulatory inquiries, interviews, and requests for additional documentation during the licensing process.
• Support the establishment of an appropriate compliance and governance framework for the proposed MSO business.

Compliance Officer / MLRO Responsibilities

• Serve as the designated or proposed CO/MLRO, subject to applicable regulatory requirements and approval.
• Develop customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), KYC, transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening procedures.
• Establish suspicious transaction reporting and escalation procedures, including reporting to the Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU), where applicable.
• Advise on compliance risk management, recordkeeping, and ongoing regulatory obligations.
• Assist with compliance training and operational readiness before commencement of regulated activities.

Banking & Settlement Account Support (Major Advantage)

• Assist in identifying and establishing banking relationships for the proposed MSO.
• Support applications for client fund settlement accounts, payment settlement accounts, or other suitable banking arrangements for MSO operations.
• Liaise with Hong Kong banks, payment institutions, and other financial partners regarding onboarding and compliance requirements.
• Advise on banking due diligence, safeguarding arrangements, and transaction flow documentation.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Compliance Officer, MLRO, AML Manager, or similar compliance professional within Hong Kong's financial services sector.
• Strong working knowledge of Hong Kong AML/CTF regulations and MSO licensing requirements.
• Experience preparing or reviewing AML/CTF policies, compliance manuals, and enterprise-wide risk assessments.
• Familiarity with C&ED regulatory expectations and the MSO licensing process.
• Ability to work independently on a flexible, part-time consulting basis.
• Strong written and spoken English.

Highly Preferred

• Direct experience assisting with successful Hong Kong MSO licence applications.
• Previous experience serving as a CO/MLRO for a licensed Hong Kong MSO.
• Established relationships with Hong Kong banks or financial institutions capable of providing client fund settlement accounts to MSOs.
• Demonstrated success obtaining banking or settlement accounts for licensed MSOs or other regulated payment businesses.
• Experience with cross-border remittances, foreign exchange, international payments, or fintech businesses.
• CAMS, ICA, or equivalent AML/compliance certification.
• Cantonese or Mandarin language proficiency.

Engagement Structure

• Initial engagement: Fractional / part-time / hourly contractor.
• Pre-licensing phase: Focus on MSO application preparation, compliance documentation, regulatory correspondence, and banking readiness.
• Working hours: Flexible, based on licensing milestones and operational requirements.
• Post-approval opportunity: Potential transition to a full-time CO/MLRO position once the MSO licence is approved, subject to mutual agreement and business requirements.

The successful candidate must be available to support the licensing process and fulfill any applicable regulatory expectations associated with the proposed CO/MLRO appointment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV along with a brief summary of:

1. Previous Hong Kong MSO licensing and CO/MLRO experience.
2. Experience working with C&ED and supporting MSO licence applications.
3. Any experience establishing banking or client fund settlement accounts for Hong Kong MSOs.
4. Expected hourly consulting rate and availability.
5. Interest in potentially transitioning to a full-time role following licence approval.