Head of Risk, Compliance & Licensing (fintech)

Job Summary Our client is building infrastructure that powers seamless cross-border payments across emerging markets enabling businesses to move money efficiently through local payment rails, wallets, and liquidity systems. As the business scales, strong risk management and regulatory discipline are critical to sustainable growth, market expansion, and trust with partners and regulators. The Head of Risk, Compliance & Licensing will lead all risk and regulatory functions across multiple markets. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep fintech or payments experience, with the ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional environments and embed compliance into a fast-scaling organization. Key Responsibilities Risk Management Develop and maintain a company-wide risk management framework Identify, assess, and monitor operational, financial, regulatory, and reputational risks Conduct risk assessments for new products, markets, and partnerships Design and implement mitigation strategies and internal controls Provide regular risk reporting to executive leadership Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with local and cross-border regulatory frameworks Stay updated on fintech and payments regulations across markets Act as the primary liaison with regulators and supervisory bodies Manage regulatory filings, reporting, and audits AML / KYC / Financial Crime Lead AML/CFT, KYC/CDD, and transaction monitoring frameworks Oversee suspicious activity detection and reporting Implement sanctions screening and fraud prevention controls Continuously strengthen financial crime risk controls Market Assessment & Licensing Assess regulatory requirements for new and existing markets Identify licensing needs and regulatory obligations per jurisdiction Lead end-to-end licensing processes with regulators and internal teams Ensure ongoing compliance throughout market entry and operations Policies, Controls & Governance Develop and enforce compliance policies and procedures Conduct audits, gap assessments, and ensure audit readiness Maintain strong documentation and internal controls Embed compliance into product, operations, and partnerships Data Protection & Privacy Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR and local laws) Oversee data security frameworks and controls Conduct data protection impact assessments where required Partner & Market Compliance Support onboarding of banks, PSPs, and partners Conduct due diligence on partners and counterparties Ensure compliance readiness for market expansion Training & Culture Build and drive a strong compliance culture across the organization Train teams on regulatory requirements and best practices Provide ongoing advisory support to internal teams Requirements 5–8+ years’ experience in risk and compliance within fin tech, payments, or financial services Proven experience assessing markets and securing regulatory license Strong understanding of: AML/CFT frameworks KYC/CDD processes Sanctions compliance Payments regulations and licensing Experience operating across multiple jurisdictions (Africa preferred) Proven track record managing regulators, audits, and reporting Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills High attention to detail with strong ownership Preferred Qualifications Certifications such as CAMS, CFE, CIPP, or equivalent Experience in cross-border payments or digital wallets Exposure to emerging areas (e.g., crypto, digital assets) Experience in a high-growth or startup environment What Success Looks Like (6–12 Months) Full visibility and control over risk exposure across markets Audit-ready compliance frameworks and documentation Strong AML/KYC systems with minimal fraud incidents Effective regulatory relationships and smooth market expansion Compliance seamlessly embedded into business operations Why Join This Opportunity This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing fintech shaping cross-border commerce across emerging markets. The role offers high ownership, regional impact, and the chance to build and scale risk and compliance frameworks across multiple jurisdictions. How to Apply Send your CV to: cvs@bridgetalentgroup.com