Position: Global Head of Risk & Compliance

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Global Head of Risk and Compliance to lead and strengthen the enterprise-wide risk management, compliance, and AML/CTF frameworks that underpin our global operations.

This senior leadership role is responsible for regulatory engagement, financial crime risk management, enterprise risk management (ERM), operational risk, data governance, and internal controls across multiple jurisdictions.

The role serves as a trusted advisor to the Board and executive leadership team, ensuring risk and compliance functions operate as business enablers while maintaining strong regulatory integrity as the company scales internationally.

The Global Head of Risk and Compliance will work closely with business leaders to embed effective risk ownership, governance, and control frameworks across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Anti Money laundering AML/Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF)

• Working closely with the Global CEO, set the strategic tone, policy and procedures to manage all AML/CTF risk in the company across all jurisdictions. Ensure a one-way gold standard approach with localisation where required.
• Manage regional MLROs and oversee the global AML/CFT program.
• Own the deployment and effectiveness of transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, KYC/CDD, and EDD systems.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of STRs/SARs and regulatory reporting.
• Oversee internal AML audits and maintain up-to-date AML policies and training.

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) & EWRA

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of the global Enterprise Risk Management Framework, including annual Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessments (EWRA).
• Develop and maintain the enterprise Risk Appetite Framework, including risk tolerance thresholds aligned with business strategy and Board expectations.
• Monitor, assess, and report on key risk types including operational, strategic, financial, cyber, reputational, and third-party risks.
• Maintain and oversee the Risk Register and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs).
• Advise the executive team and board on emerging risks and mitigation strategies.

Operational Risk Management

• Establish a proactive operational risk management culture.
• Develop and implement incident and loss event reporting, root cause analysis, and remediation processes.
• Lead periodic scenario analysis, risk control self-assessments (RCSAs), and business continuity planning.

Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Oversee global compliance frameworks to ensure alignment with relevant laws, licensing conditions, and regulations (e.g., MAS, FCA, AUSTRAC, FinCEN, BSP, etc.).
• Serve as the principal point of contact for regulators, auditors, and partners.
• Coordinate licensing applications, audits, and regulatory responses across multiple jurisdictions.
• Ensure regulatory change management processes are in place and effective.

Fraud Risk & Conduct Risk

• Design and implement fraud prevention strategies, monitoring systems, and investigation protocols.
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering teams to integrate fraud detection and customer protection into workflows.
• Define and enforce a company-wide Code of Conduct and whistleblower policy.

Governance, Data Protection, and Controls

• Oversee global compliance with data protection and privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, PDPA, etc.).
• Implement policy governance, training, and internal audit programs.
• Present regular risk and compliance reports to the Board and Risk Committee.
• Establish and maintain an effective Three Lines of Defence model across the organisation, ensuring clear accountability between business units, risk oversight, and assurance functions.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Build, mentor, and lead a global team of compliance and risk professionals.
• Drive a culture of ethics, transparency, and shared ownership of compliance across the organization.
• Provide regular internal training and compliance updates to leadership and staff.

Requirements

Must-Have

• 12+ years of experience in senior compliance/risk leadership roles in banking, fintech, payments, e-money, or regulated financial services.
• Deep knowledge of risk and compliance disciplines including AML/CFT, operational risk, EWRA, data privacy, fraud risk, and governance.
• Familiarity with multiple regulatory environments (e.g., BoT, FCA, FinCEN, AUSTRAC, FSA, etc…).
• Demonstrated experience managing global regulatory audits, risk assessments, and cross-border compliance teams.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with executive presence and strategic foresight.
• Strong management skills and people skills. Able to manage multiple stuff across different regulatory jurisdictions. 

Preferred

• Bachelor/Masters Degree in Law or related degrees.
• Certified in ACAMS, ICA, CFE, CRMA, or similar qualifications.
• Experience implementing risk systems and compliance tech solutions.
• Exposure to startup or scale-up environments and fintech licensing processes.

Success Measures

• Strong regulatory relationships and positive audit outcomes
• Effective global risk framework implementation
• Timely regulatory reporting with no major breaches
• Reduced fraud and operational loss incidents
• Scalable compliance processes supporting business growth
• High-performing global risk and compliance team

What We Offer

• Leadership role with strategic influence at the executive and board level.
• Competitive compensation package with ESOP.
• Remote-friendly, mission-driven company culture.
• Opportunity to help shape the risk and compliance function at a rapidly scaling fintech.