Our Client is seeking a seasoned and strategic Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to lead their global compliance program. This executive role is critical to our success, responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of the company's compliance framework. The ideal candidate is an expert navigator of the complex regulatory landscapes of both traditional capital markets and the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency space.

You will be the principal architect of our regulatory strategy, including spearheading our efforts to obtain and maintain Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) across the United States. This position requires a proactive leader with deep subject matter expertise, a hands-on approach, and the ability to serve as a key advisor to the executive team and Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

• Compliance Strategy & Leadership:
• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust, enterprise-wide compliance program that addresses regulatory requirements for both our capital markets and cryptocurrency business lines.
• Serve as the primary compliance advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on all regulatory matters, potential risks, and policy decisions.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global compliance team.
• Foster a strong "culture of compliance" throughout the organization.
• Regulatory Licensing & Relations:
• Lead the strategy and execution for obtaining and maintaining Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) in all necessary U.S. states.
• Manage the entire MTL application lifecycle, from initial assessment and application drafting to responding to regulatory inquiries and ensuring post-licensure compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all regulatory bodies, including FinCEN, the SEC, FINRA, OFAC, and state financial regulators.
• Manage regulatory examinations, inquiries, and audits effectively and professionally.
• Policy & Procedure Development:
• Design, draft, and implement comprehensive compliance policies and procedures, including but not limited to:
• Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) Program
• Know Your Customer (KYC) / Customer Identification Program (CIP)
• Sanctions Screening (OFAC) and Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) checks
• Trade Surveillance and Market Conduct Rules
• Data Privacy and Protection
• Code of Conduct and Ethics
• Ensure all policies are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in regulations, business products, and industry best practices.
• Monitoring, Testing, and Reporting:
• Oversee the firm’s transaction monitoring and surveillance systems to detect and deter suspicious activity.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and other regulatory reports.
• Conduct periodic compliance risk assessments and internal audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Prepare and present regular, detailed compliance reports to the executive team and the Board.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in senior compliance roles within the financial services industry.
• Demonstrable, hands-on experience in both traditional capital markets (e.g., broker-dealer, investment bank, asset management) and the cryptocurrency/digital asset industry.
• Proven, successful track record of leading an organization through the entire lifecycle of obtaining and maintaining state Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs).
• Expert-level knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, USA PATRIOT Act, Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and state money transmission laws.
• Extensive experience interacting directly with federal and state regulators (e.g., FinCEN, SEC, FINRA, state banking departments).
• Strong leadership skills with a history of building and managing effective compliance teams.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex regulatory concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Professional certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), or relevant FINRA licenses (e.g., Series 7, 14, 24).
• Experience with international regulatory frameworks (e.g., MiCA in Europe, FCA in the UK).
• Experience with the NYDFS BitLicense application process.
• Familiarity with compliance software and RegTech solutions for transaction monitoring, KYC, and case management.

What We Offer

• This role pays between 250,000 to 400,000 a year with a bonus
• Equity with a percentage vesting period
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible work environment (remote/hybrid options)]
• Generous paid time off and holidays]
• A unique opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of FinTech