Our client, an Estonian regulated FinTech, is looking for a Head of Compliance & AML / Board Member to build and lead the compliance and anti-money laundering function, support the licensing journey, and ensure the company scales safely and in full regulatory alignment.

You will be responsible for establishing robust compliance frameworks, strengthening AML/CFT controls, and acting as a key counterpart to regulators, external counsel, auditors, and senior stakeholders as the business matures - including fulfilling board-level governance responsibilities.

The company is part of a larger group - a multi-jurisdictional fintech and digital asset infrastructure provider with presence across the globe. The group builds regulated rails for digital assets and fiat payments, offering IBANs, crypto wallets, cross-border payments, card acquiring, and card issuing - all under a single compliant framework.

🔍 Responsibilities:

• Define and lead the company’s Compliance and AML/CTF strategy in line with Estonian and EU regulatory frameworks;

• Act as a Management Board Member, ensuring strong governance, oversight, and regulatory accountability;

• Serve as the primary liaison with Estonian regulatory authorities, managing all communication during the licensing process and beyond;

• Design, implement, and continuously enhance the company-wide compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and internal controls;

• Oversee end-to-end AML/CTF processes: client onboarding, KYC, transaction monitoring, enhanced due diligence, and sanctions screening;

• Lead and develop the compliance function, working closely with MLRO and cross-functional stakeholders;

• Prepare and present regular reports to the Board on compliance risks, regulatory updates, and performance metrics;

• Provide independent, strategic challenge on business initiatives from a regulatory and risk perspective;

• Drive a strong compliance culture through training, awareness, and best practices across the organisation.

🎓 Requirements:

• Proven experience (7+ years) in a senior Compliance and AML role within Estonian regulated financial institutions within payments, digital assets, or banks;

• Deep knowledge of Estonian AML/CFT legislation, FFIU guidelines, and EU-wide frameworks including AMLD5/6, MiCA, PSD2, and EBA guidelines;

• Demonstrated ability to operate at Board level and fulfil the role of a responsible person, meeting Estonian regulatory "fit & proper" standards;

• Track record of building or significantly overhauling compliance and AML functions from the ground up, including policies, procedures, controls, and team structure;

• Hands-on experience with regulatory licensing processes, and managing regulatory inspections or audits;

• Familiarity with digital asset compliance, CASP regulations, and crypto-specific AML typologies is a strong advantage;

• Exposure to multi-jurisdictional compliance environments (EU, UK, USA or similar) within a group structure is a plus;

• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business guidance;

• Strong stakeholder management skills — comfortable engaging with regulators, auditors, board members, and external counsel at the highest level;

• High level of integrity, independence, and professional judgment, with a reputation for sound ethical conduct;

• Estonian citizenship and residency (mandatory), with full professional fluency in both Estonian and English.

✨ The Employer Offers:

• Competitive compensation aligned with senior leadership responsibilities;

• Opportunity to grow on a group level;

• Full time employment employment agreement in Estonia;

• Flexible hybrid working model with strong autonomy;

• Opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in banking and payments;

• A mission-driven culture focused on responsible innovation and regulatory excellence.

If you’re ready to take on a leadership role that shapes the regulatory future of a modern FinTech, let’s talk!