Head of Compliance (Remote)

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.