Head of Compliance

🎯 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.