Our client is an established international fintech group providing regulated payment and digital asset services across multiple jurisdictions.

As part of the company's strategic European expansion, currently pursuing authorization as an EMI in Latvia. They're seeking an experienced Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to lead the Company’s financial crime compliance function throughout the licensing process and following authorization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in establishing a robust financial crime compliance framework and embedding a strong compliance culture from inception. This role is critical to ensuring the organization meets the expectations of the Bank of Latvia and aligns with evolving EU AML/CFT/CPF regulatory standards, including the upcoming EU AML Regulation and AMLA supervisory framework.

💼 About the Role

The MLRO will be responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the Company’s anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CFT), counter-proliferation financing (CPF), and sanctions compliance framework in accordance with applicable Latvian and European regulatory requirements.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on implementation and requires close collaboration with senior management, regulators, and operational teams to ensure effective financial crime risk management.

The MLRO will also be expected to act as a senior leader within the organization, contributing to broader governance, risk management, and operational readiness activities.

🔍 Responsibilities:

During the Licensing Phase

• Support the preparation of the Company’s EMI license applications;

• Act as the principal financial crime compliance contact with Latvijas Banka throughout the authorization process;

• Develop and implement the Company’s AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions framework, including relevant policies, procedures and internal controls;

• Prepare the Company’s AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions risk assessments and financial crime governance documentation;

• Assist in implementing customer onboarding, transaction monitoring and financial crime control systems;

• Support the Company’s operational readiness prior to launch;

• Lead the drafting of AML/CFT/CPF sections within regulatory submissions, ensuring alignment with supervisory expectations;

• Coordinate with technology teams to ensure system configurations meet regulatory standards for both fiat and crypto-asset monitoring;

• Engage in pre-authorization workshops or Q&A sessions with Latvijas Banka as required.

Following Authorisation

• Serve as the Company’s designated MLRO and principal adviser on AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions matters;

• Maintain and continuously enhance the Company’s financial crime compliance framework;

• Oversee customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions compliance, investigations and regulatory reporting;

• Ensure effective controls relating to crypto-asset financial crime risks, including blockchain analytics and Travel Rule compliance;

• Deliver AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions training and promote a strong culture of compliance throughout the organisation;

• Prepare periodic reports for the Board and act as the primary point of contact with regulators on AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions matters;

• Lead periodic thematic reviews and assurance testing of financial crime controls;

• Ensure timely submission of STRs/SARs and maintain ongoing dialogue with FIU Latvia.

• Oversee the implementation of new regulatory requirements, including updates from EU AML legislative packages.

🎓 Requirements:

• Significant AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions experience within a regulated financial institution;

• Experience as an MLRO, Deputy MLRO or in another senior AML leadership role;

• Strong knowledge of Latvian and European AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions legislation and regulatory expectations;

• Experience within payments, electronic money, banking or crypto-asset services;

• Excellent communication skills and experience interacting with regulators and senior management.

• Fluency in English and Latvian;

• High professional integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to operate independently.

The following would be considered an advantage:

• Previous involvement in EMI and/or CASP licensing projects;

• Experience with blockchain analytics and Travel Rule solutions;

• Professional AML qualifications such as CAMS, ICA or equivalent;

• Experience working with RegTech solutions and automated monitoring systems;

• Understanding of crypto-asset typologies, blockchain tracing methodologies and VASP regulatory frameworks;

• Prior experience engaging with Latvijas Banka or other EU regulators.

✨ The Employer offers:

• A unique opportunity to join an ambitious international fintech group during an exciting stage of its European expansion;

• A key leadership role in establishing a newly authorized EMI;

• Direct involvement in regulatory licensing and ongoing supervisory engagement;

• An opportunity to shape the Company’s financial crime framework and governance from inception;

• A collaborative, international, and entrepreneurial working environment;

• Competitive remuneration and opportunities for professional development.

If you're ready to bring your MLRO expertise to an established international FinTech, let's talk!