Compliance Head, MLRO

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Pakistan.

📋 Description

• Act as the main point of contact with relevant regulatory authorities.

• Ensure that the organization complies with all relevant governance standards, including fit and proper obligations for Approved and Designated Persons.

• Monitor and analyze regulatory changes related to virtual assets, providing guidance to senior management and the Board as needed.

• Create, implement, and uphold a comprehensive compliance framework that aligns with local regulations, FATF recommendations, and international best practices for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

• Develop, review, and revise internal policies and procedures pertaining to AML/CFT, KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, data protection, cybersecurity compliance, and the safeguarding of client assets.

• Establish and manage the compliance monitoring program, which includes regular testing, gap analysis, and reporting processes.

• Prepare and deliver routine compliance reports to the Board and relevant committees.

• Incorporate compliance considerations into the design and operation of new products using a well-defined risk-based approach.

• Review technical documentation, user experiences, and product flow to mitigate compliance risks and offer solution-oriented advice.

• Develop and enhance compliance policies governing advertising, social media initiatives, influencer collaborations, and product launches.

• Collaborate with Legal, Product, and Marketing teams to evaluate client-facing materials and go-to-market strategies.

• Serve as the designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) with legal responsibilities for the AML/CFT framework.

• Receive, review, and evaluate internal Suspicious Transaction Reports, determining whether to file external disclosures with relevant local authorities.

• Supervise and refine transaction monitoring and sanctions screening processes in accordance with OFAC, UK OFSI, UN, EU, and applicable local sanctions lists.

• Oversee customer risk assessments, risk-based KYC/CDD, and enhanced due diligence for high-risk clients, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and customers from high-risk jurisdictions.

• Provide compliance insights as a senior leadership team member regarding products, services, partnerships, and business initiatives.

• Promote a culture of compliance through training, communication, and leadership efforts.

• Design and implement AML/CFT and compliance training programs while maintaining records of completion.

• Advise the Board on staffing, systems, and budget needs related to compliance.

• Establish and uphold a compliance manual and risk register; oversee the escalation and resolution of incidents and breaches.

• Prepare and submit necessary regulatory reports and notifications within specified deadlines.

• Maintain compliance records, SAR documentation, KYC files, and transaction monitoring records in accordance with retention policies.

• Assist with inspections, supervisory visits, and regulatory audits.

• Build the compliance program from the ground up and foster a compliance culture throughout the organization; additional team management responsibilities will be introduced in the future.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification is a plus.

• Professional certification in compliance or AML is highly preferred (e.g., CAMS, ICA Certificate/Diploma in AML or Compliance, CFE, or equivalent).

• At least 8 years of experience in compliance, AML, or financial crime prevention, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior or leadership compliance role.

• Proven in-house experience with virtual asset service providers (VASPs), cryptocurrency exchanges, fintech companies, or regulated financial institutions.

• Previous experience as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO is greatly valued.

• Experience interacting directly with financial regulators and financial intelligence units.

• Practical experience in developing compliance programs from the ground up in a startup or scaling environment is a significant asset.

• Strong familiarity with the regional regulatory framework and requirements is preferred.

• Comprehensive understanding of FATF Recommendations and their application to virtual asset service providers, including the Travel Rule (FATF Recommendation 16).

• Extensive knowledge of crypto-specific AML typologies.

• Proficient in blockchain analytics and transaction monitoring tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs, or similar).

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and Urdu.

• Strong analytical and investigative abilities, with the capacity to identify and clearly articulate complex risk scenarios.

• Proven capability to interact constructively with regulators, external auditors, and law enforcement agencies.

• High level of personal integrity and sound professional judgment.

• This position will require a fit and proper assessment as part of the licensing process.

• Candidates must be ready to undergo background checks, submit regulatory questionnaires, CVs, references, and proof of relevant qualifications.

• Previous enforcement actions, regulatory sanctions, or unexplained gaps in professional history may impact eligibility.

• Nice to have: Experience in cryptocurrency or blockchain compliance programs; experience in a multi-national financial institution; familiarity with compliance technology and analytics tools; prior exposure to multi-jurisdictional compliance oversight; in-depth knowledge of crypto products, including spot trading, derivatives, staking, lending/borrowing, DeFi, and stablecoins.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package

• Learning and Development programs, along with an education subsidy for employee growth and advancement

• Various team-building activities and company events

• More exciting details to share during the process!