Compliance & Risk Director / MLRO

Our client is a rapidly growing European FinTech operating in the payments and electronic money space, expanding its footprint across the EU. The group is currently pursuing authorisation in Latvia for both an EMI and a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP).

As part of this next phase of development, the group is seeking to appoint an experienced Compliance & Risk Director / Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the prospective Latvian EMI and CASP entity. The role will report directly to the local Board of Directors.

💼 About the Role

The role covers full responsibility for financial crime prevention (AML, CTF, CPF, sanctions compliance and fraud prevention) while contributing to the wider group Compliance and Risk framework.

In the context of CASP authorisation under MiCA, the role will also oversee crypto-asset specific regulatory requirements, including client asset protection, conduct standards, market abuse prevention, prudential safeguards and operational resilience obligations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the EMI/CASP authorisation process and in establishing a robust financial crime and regulatory compliance framework, ensuring full alignment with applicable EMI and CASP requirements both during licensing and once operational.

🔍 Responsibilities:

During the EMI and CASP Authorisation Phase:

• Support the drafting and submission of EMI and CASP license applications in Latvia, working closely with the Group General Counsel, VP Operations, Compliance & Risk, and external Latvian legal and regulatory consultants.
• Act as the principal liaison with Latvijas Banka, coordinating and managing all regulatory communications.
• Develop and implement the local entity’s financial crime policies, procedures and internal control mechanisms in accordance with Latvian and EU regulatory standards, taking into account the group-wide compliance and risk framework.
• Provide guidance to senior management on regulatory requirements, obligations and best practices.
• Ensure compliance readiness ahead of operational launch.
• Complete and refine operational compliance documentation, ensuring consistency with the regulated activities.
• Assist in configuring internal systems to support effective customer onboarding, risk assessment and transaction monitoring processes.

Following Grant of EMI and CASP Licenses:

• Assume the formal position of Compliance & Risk Director / MLRO, overseeing ongoing compliance and financial crime prevention activities.
• Supervise customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, investigations and suspicious activity reporting in accordance with applicable legislation, as well as implementation and effectiveness of blockchain analytics tools and travel rule solutions.
• Establish and scale the compliance function in line with business growth, maintaining strong governance and oversight structures.
• Regularly review and strengthen compliance controls, risk management procedures and internal frameworks to meet evolving regulatory developments and operational changes.
• Gather and assess information referring to unusual or potentially suspicious transactions or circumstances identified in the course of business.
• Submit required reports to competent authorities where financial crime suspicions arise.

🎓 Requirements:

• Experience in fintech, payments or other dynamic financial services environments is advantageous.
• Experience in crypto-asset services, blockchain analytics tools, custody models or digital asset risk management is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement effective compliance frameworks and controls.
• Proven compliance and risk management experience within regulated financial institutions.
• Strong knowledge of EU and Latvian regulatory requirements in the areas of compliance and risk.
• Prior involvement in Latvian licensing processes is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently with regulators and senior executives.
• Professional, reliable, pragmatic, dedicated, quick learner, positive, detail-oriented, with a proactive approach to regulatory developments and an excellent professional and impeccable reputation.
• Fluency in English and Latvian.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA) are an advantage.

✨ The Employer Offers:

• A full-time executive appointment as Compliance & Risk Director / MLRO with a competitive remuneration package. Monthly salary gross €5,000 - €8,000.
• A unique opportunity to design and lead the Compliance and Risk function from inception.
• Direct involvement in the establishment and growth of a newly licensed EU fintech business.
• A seat at senior leadership table, both on the local Board and within the group’s broader compliance and risk structure, contributing to strategic decisions and long-term direction.
• Active engagement and hands-on involvement in the EMI and CASP licensing process, including direct interaction with regulators.
• A dynamic, innovation-driven working environment supported by a strong international group.
• A collaborative and international culture that values expertise, independence and initiative.

If you’re ready to lead sales growth and shape the commercial future of a global payments business, let’s talk.