Lightspark is the easiest, most reliable, enterprise-grade gateway to the Lightning Network, enabling money to move just like bits and bytes do on the Internet. Lightspark services aim to be the fastest, lowest cost, easiest and most reliable way to send and receive payments globally using Lightning. We want to  deliver open payments for the Internet at scale and we’re laser-focused on solving real problems for our customers with best-in-class innovative software solutions.  We aim to help businesses around the world benefit from real time payments and build amazing new experiences for themselves and their customers. Lightspark is headquartered in Los Angeles but serving the world.

Lightspark is seeking an experienced Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to build and lead our compliance function.  The CCO will be responsible for developing, overseeing and managing all aspects of regulatory compliance within Lightspark. This includes developing and implementing compliance programs, policies, and procedures for our Lightning services business. The CCO will also take the lead on new compliance programs for novel business areas, including involving regulated activities. The CCO will work closely with senior leadership to mitigate risks, maintain regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of integrity and accountability.  This position reports to our Chief Legal Officer.

What you’ll be doing:

• Design, implement, and maintain an effective compliance program tailored to crypto and fiat payments services, including illicit finance (AML, CFT, sanctions), consumer protection, financial security and reporting, and data protection and privacy considerations for a global business. The candidate should be comfortable working directly on program design and documents, in addition to managing internal and outside teams.

• Stay up-to-date with compliance developments and industry best practices related to these topics ensuring that Lightspark’s policies and procedures reflect relevant developments.

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential compliance risks and develop and implement strategies to mitigate them.

• Provide ongoing training and education to employees on compliance matters, fostering a culture of compliance and ethical behavior.

• Lead internal investigations into compliance issues, coordinate with external auditors, and implement corrective actions as necessary.

• Prepare and present compliance reports to senior management and the board of directors, highlighting key compliance issues, trends, and recommendations.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, ensuring timely and accurate communication and reporting.

• Work closely with other departments, including Legal, Finance, and Operations, to ensure compliance across all business activities.

• Scale the compliance team when and as needed to ensure efficient operations and appropriate coverage for a quickly growing company.

What we’re looking for:

• 10+ years of experience in compliance, with a strong background in crypto currencies, blockchain technology, data privacy or financial services

• 3+ years of experience as a CCO  or similar role in a scaling organization, including for regulated businesses

• Experience building compliance functions from scratch 

• Deep understanding of regulatory requirements related to digital currencies, blockchain technology, and payments, including AML, KYC, and data privacy regulations

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategies.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization

Lightspark is on a mission to build an open payment protocol for the Internet at scale and therefore we’re committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace to reflect the customers we serve. We welcome interest from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience who share our mission. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.