Seeking a seasoned Compliance leader to serve as the foundational regulatory pillar, building a best-in-class compliance function from the ground up.
This is a critical, hands-on leadership role for an individual who can architect the entire compliance framework, secure the MPI license, and embed a culture of integrity and regulatory excellence within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will be the trusted expert and primary interface with the MAS, shaping the future of compliance for a rapidly scaling fintech business.
The Role:
You will be entrusted with the full spectrum of compliance, AML/CFT, and data protection responsibilities. Your mandate is to develop, implement, and own a robust, scalable Compliance Management Framework that not only meets but exceeds regulatory expectations under the Payment Services Act (PSA) and other relevant legislation. You will act as the de-facto Chief Compliance Officer, MLRO, and Data Protection Officer, serving as the primary regulatory liaison and a key advisor to the Board and senior management.
Key Responsibilities:
Regulatory Strategy & Licensing:
- Act as the primary point of contact and liaisonwith the MAS, managing all aspects of the regulatory relationship.
- Own and drive the MPI license application processto its successful conclusion, coordinating all submissions, responses, andengagements.
- Translate complex regulatory requirements (PSA,FSMA, MAS Notices) into clear, actionable business policies, processes,and technological controls.
- Maintain a comprehensive regulatoryhorizon-scanning function to anticipate and prepare for new regulations.
Compliance Framework & Governance:
- Design, implement, and continuously enhance theend-to-end Compliance Management Framework and related policies (AML/CFT,Sanctions, ABC, PDPA).
- Conduct periodic compliance risk assessments,control reviews, and gap analyses, ensuring effective remediation.
- Provide clear, concise reporting to the Board andsenior management on compliance status, risks, and regulatorydevelopments.
AML/CFT & Financial Crime Oversight (as MLRO):
- Serve as the appointed Money Laundering ReportingOfficer (MLRO).
- Build and oversee the entire AML/CFT program,including KYC/EDD standards, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening,and suspicious activity reporting.
- Conduct Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessments (EWRA)and ensure all systems and processes are calibrated to the company's riskprofile.
- Serve as the central point for liaising with lawenforcement and regulatory bodies on financial crime matters.
Data Protection & Privacy (as DPO):
- Fulfill the statutory responsibilities of theData Protection Officer (DPO) under the PDPA.
- Develop a robust data privacy governanceframework, ensuring alignment with both PDPA and MAS Technology RiskManagement guidelines.
- Advise on data privacy by design in new productsand initiatives, and manage data incident response protocols.
Advisory, Culture & Leadership:
- Provide trusted, pragmatic compliance advice toall business units on product launches, partnerships, and strategicinitiatives.
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performingcompliance team, scaling the function in line with business growth.
- Champion a pervasive culture of compliance andethical conduct through company-wide training, engagement, and clearcommunication.
- Represent the company in relevant industry forumsand associations.
Experience & Qualifications:
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive complianceexperience within heavily regulated financial services, with at least 5years in a leadership role within fintech, payments, or digital banking.
- Non-negotiable expertisein Singapore's regulatory landscape: deep,hands-on experience with the PSA, MAS AML/CFT regulations, PDPA, and FSMA.Prior experience with an MPI license application is highly advantageous.
- Proven track record as a primary regulatoryliaison (MAS) and in building or significantly transforming a complianceframework.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA,ACFCS) are strongly preferred.
- A Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, ora related field.
Skills & Attributes:
- Architect & Builder:Ability to design scalable systems andframeworks from a blank slate, not just manage existing ones.
- Practical Translator:Exceptional skill in converting regulatorytext into efficient, business-pragmatic processes and technicalrequirements.
- Resilient Leader:Proactive, hands-on, and thrives in afast-paced, ambiguous environment where you must set the direction.
- Influential Communicator:Excellent stakeholder management abilities,with the credibility to advise senior leadership and engage constructivelywith regulators.
- High Integrity:Unquestionable ethics and a commitment to fostering aculture of accountability and transparency.
Please be informed that only shortlisted candidate will be notified.
For more information, you may reach out to Jamie at her email at[Confidential Information] or WhatsApp her at +6012 238 9953
PeopleLAKE is a full-service HR solution company providing Recruitment, HR Outsourcing, and Corporate Training. eLawyer Recruitment is part of PeopleLAKE Group.
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