Head of Regulatory Compliance & Licensing
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Product
The Head of Regulatory Compliance & Licensing leads the Group's regulatory expansion strategy, overseeing the establishment, licensing, and ongoing compliance of portfolio companies across multiple jurisdictions.
The role manages the full regulatory lifecycle, including jurisdiction assessments, corporate structuring, company incorporation, licensing, regulatory engagement, and post-licensing compliance. Working closely with Legal, Compliance, Finance, Risk, Operations, Product, and Technology teams, the position ensures full regulatory compliance and supports the Group's international growth.
The role requires extensive expertise in international financial services regulation, fintech, payments, virtual assets, AML/CFT, corporate governance, and cross-border regulatory frameworks, while leading multiple licensing projects simultaneously.
Requirements:
- Be a qualified lawyer or hold a recognized professional qualification in Compliance, Risk Management or Financial Crime Prevention (preferred)
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Economics or another relevant discipline. A Master's degree or postgraduate qualification will be considered an advantage
- Hold at least one internationally recognized AML/CFT or Compliance certification (e.g. CAMS, ICA, ACAMS, CCEP or equivalent)
- Have a minimum of 5 years' experience in financial services regulation, compliance, legal or licensing, including at least 2 years in a senior management or leadership role
- Have extensive experience in the payment services, fintech, remittance, electronic money, banking or financial services industry
- Demonstrate proven experience in obtaining and managing regulatory licenses in multiple jurisdictions
- Have practical experience in corporate establishment, regulatory authorizations and post-licensing compliance for regulated financial institutions
- Have experience managing complex cross-border regulatory projects involving multiple stakeholders and external legal advisers
The candidate must possess a comprehensive understanding of:
- Payment Institution licensing
- Electronic Money Institution licensing
- Money Remittance licensing
- Payment Aggregator and Payment Gateway licensing
- Foreign Exchange (Forex) licensing
- Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licensing (an advantage)
- AML/CFT legislation and FATF Recommendations
- KYC/KYB requirements
- Corporate governance principles
- Regulatory reporting and ongoing compliance obligations
- Risk management frameworks applicable to regulated financial institutions
Responsibilities:
- Developing and implementing the Group's regulatory expansion strategy for its portfolio companies across existing and new jurisdictions (MEA region).
- Leading the establishment of new portfolio companies, including corporate structuring, incorporation and regulatory readiness.
- Managing the end-to-end licensing process, including regulatory analysis, preparation and submission of licence applications, and engagement with regulatory authorities.
- Developing regulatory roadmaps and advising senior management on licensing strategies and market entry requirements.
- Overseeing post-licensing compliance, including regulatory reporting, licence renewals, notifications and ongoing supervisory obligations.
- Ensuring that portfolio companies operate in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, licence conditions and internal governance standards.
- Coordinating the preparation and review of regulatory documentation, including business plans, compliance manuals, governance frameworks, policies and procedures.
- Managing relationships with regulators, external legal advisers, corporate service providers and other key stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
- Monitoring regulatory developments and assessing their impact on the Group's business and expansion strategy.
- Leading regulatory projects, managing cross-functional teams and ensuring timely delivery of strategic licensing initiatives.
- Providing regulatory advice and support to executive management, business units and portfolio companies.
- Building and maintaining a strong culture of regulatory compliance and governance across the Group.
What we offer:
- Be part of a creative, dynamic team focused on innovation
- Opportunities for career growth and development
- A supportive, collaborative work environment
- Competitive salary and benefits package
Required languages
English
C1 - Advanced
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