Head of AML/CTF (MLRO)

At CurrencyFair, we're passionate about revolutionising the way people send and receive money around the world. As a peer-to-peer currency exchange, we're making it easier and more affordable for individuals and businesses to transfer funds across borders. We're looking for talented individuals who share our vision and want to join us in disrupting the traditional financial services industry. If you're excited about the prospect of using your skills to help people save money and time, we'd love to hear from you.

The role sits within CurrencyFair's broader second line Risk, Compliance and AML function, under the strategic leadership of the Strategic Head of Risk, Compliance & AML. The Head of AML/CTF retains appropriate independence, authority and accountability for the AML/CTF responsibilities assigned to the PCF 52 function and will have direct access to the Board and relevant Board Committees where required.

Fitness & Probity

This role performs PCF 52 Head of Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Compliance and is subject to the Central Bank of Ireland's Fitness and Probity framework. The role holder must meet and continue to meet the applicable Fitness and Probity and Conduct Standards and complete CurrencyFair's relevant Fitness and Probity assessment and due diligence.

Key Responsibilities Include

- Manage and oversee the day to day operations and effectiveness of CurrencyFair's AML/CTF framework, policies, controls and procedures.
- Own and maintain the Business Wide Risk Assessment and ensure appropriate alignment between identified risks and the control framework.
- Oversee customer risk assessment, CDD/EDD, PEP, sanctions, transaction monitoring and ongoing monitoring arrangements.
- Act as CurrencyFair's MLRO, including responsibility for the internal suspicious activity reporting framework and external reporting to the relevant authorities where required.
- Provide independent AML/CTF oversight and challenge in relation to business activities, new products, services, jurisdictions and material changes.
- Oversee the AML/CTF compliance monitoring programme and ensure identified issues and control weaknesses are appropriately escalated and remediated.
- Monitor relevant AML/CTF regulatory developments and support their implementation within the business.
- Produce appropriate AML/CTF management information and reporting for senior management, the Strategic Head of Risk, Compliance & AML, and the Board.
- Escalate material AML/CTF risks, breaches, control deficiencies and concerns independently where appropriate.
- Engage directly with the Central Bank of Ireland and other competent authorities on matters relating to the PCF 52/MLRO function.
- Work closely with the Strategic Head of Risk, Compliance & AML and other second line leaders to maintain a coordinated and effective Risk, Compliance and Financial Crime framework.
- Support and develop the AML/CTF team and promote a strong financial crime risk culture across CurrencyFair.

Key Stakeholders

- CEO
- Senior Leadership Team
- Head of TM
- Customer Success and Onboarding
- Compliance Colleagues globally
- Head of Risk
- Head of Compliance

Key requirements for success

- Significant AML/CTF, financial crime or regulatory compliance experience within regulated financial services.
- Strong knowledge of Irish and EU AML/CTF legislation and regulatory expectations.
- Experience operating at MLRO, Head of AML/CTF or equivalent senior financial crime level.
- Strong knowledge of CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions, PEPs and suspicious transaction reporting.
- Experience developing and maintaining business wide ML/TF risk assessments and risk based control frameworks.
- Experience engaging with senior management, Boards and regulators. Skills and characteristics
- Strong judgement and the confidence to provide effective independent challenge.
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

The organisation is committed to diversity and inclusion. By providing equal opportunities we foster a work environment which embraces diversity and gets the best out of the broadest spectrum of people to sustain business performance and competitive advantage. We build an inclusive culture by demonstrating respect for each other’s unique strengths and perspectives to enable every employee to develop a sense of belonging and have the opportunity to maximise their potential.

- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analysis clearly and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior management.
- A growth mindset and proactive approach to identifying and solving complex business challenges.
- Proven ability to translate business data requirements into real solutions through project ownership and delivery.
- A proactive, curious and pragmatic approach, with a strong sense of ownership and focus on delivering business impact rather than simply producing reports.