Head of Compliance at Virtual Pay

We are seeking a Head of Compliance. This role ensures that Virtual Pay operates in full compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and industry requirements, by establishing, implementing, and maintaining a robust compliance framework that supports business growth while mitigating regulatory and financial crime risk. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in compliance management within the financial services or payment services industry, along with a deep understanding of the global regulatory landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Strategy & Framework

• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust compliance program and governance framework tailored to Virtual Pay’s operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, licensing obligations, and industry standards applicable to payment services, financial crime prevention, data protection, and consumer protection.
• Establish compliance policies, procedures, standards, and internal controls, communicating these across the business.

Regulatory Engagement & Reporting

• Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory authorities, auditors, and external stakeholders on compliance and regulatory matters.
• Manage and oversee timely regulatory filings, reports, and submissions.
• Monitor, interpret, and advise on changes to regulatory requirements and ensure internal policies are updated accordingly.

Financial Crime Prevention

• Oversee the design and implementation of comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), Know Your Customer (KYC), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and sanctions screening programs.
• Ensure effective monitoring, reporting, and escalation of suspicious activities.

Risk Assessment & Controls

• Conduct regular compliance risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead internal compliance audits and control testing, and oversee remediation actions.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing compliance team, providing clear guidance on expectations, priorities, and professional development.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance, ethical conduct, and accountability across all business units.

Cross-Functional Support

• Advise business, product, operations, and technology teams on compliance implications of new products, services, and business initiatives.
• Partner with legal and risk functions to integrate compliance into strategic decision-making and operational planning.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Finance, Business, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as ACAMS, ICA, CCEP, CCO/CCEP-K, or equivalent are strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in regulatory compliance, or related compliance roles, preferably within fin-tech, PSPs, EMIs, or financial services.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of building or scaling compliance functions in a high-growth, dynamic environment.
• Strong experience in AML/KYC programs and regulatory engagement.
• Deep understanding of PSP/fin-tech regulatory frameworks, including payments, AML/CTF, data privacy, and consumer protections.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical compliance solutions.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and strategic mindset with strong attention to detail