EMEA Compliance Lead

About the role

The EMEA Compliance Lead will design, build and maintain a global compliance framework for a licensed payment institution operating across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Reporting to senior management, the role ensures the organisation meets all AML, CTF, sanctions, KYC/KYB and regulatory reporting obligations while embedding compliance by design into product and business processes.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a comprehensive compliance program covering AML, CTF, sanctions, KYC/KYB, transaction monitoring and regulatory reporting.
• Own the full compliance lifecycle – policies, procedures, controls, risk assessments, monitoring, testing and remediation.
• Serve as primary liaison with EMEA regulators, managing communications, examinations and ongoing supervisory engagement.
• Collaborate with Business, Product, Risk and Legal teams to integrate compliance into core processes.
• Maintain governance, documentation and audit readiness for all compliance activities.
• Oversee licensing applications, renewals and variations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and grow a high‑performing global compliance team, setting clear accountability.
• Track regulatory developments in payments and digital assets, assess impact and adapt the program accordingly.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience.
• Minimum five years of compliance experience at a licensed payment institution, including AML/CTF or sanctions screening.
• Proven experience building and leading compliance teams.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, impact‑driven environment.
• CAMS certification or equivalent preferred.

Required skills