Head of Compliance

At Ripple, we’re building a world where value moves like information does today. It’s big, it’s bold, and we’re already doing it. Through our crypto solutions for financial institutions, businesses, governments and developers, we are improving the global financial system and creating greater economic fairness and opportunity for more people, in more places around the world. And we get to do the best work of our career and grow our skills surrounded by colleagues who have our backs. 

If you’re ready to see your impact and unlock incredible career growth opportunities, join us, and build real world value.

THE WORK:

Ripple is expanding its Global Compliance team and seeks to hire an experienced Head of Compliance (MLRO), United Kingdom in its London office. This role will be focused on managing and enhancing Ripple’s United Kingdom AML/CTF and sanctions program. Additionally, the role will focus on operationalising Ripple’s United Kingdom-based cryptoasset and electronic money business activities; including working closely with the Regulatory Compliance team on local license applications.

Reporting to the Ripple Group’s Chief Compliance Officer in the United States, you will implement and maintain the local AML/CTF and sanctions program, meet with local regulatory bodies to discuss the local compliance framework, prepare regulatory reporting submissions under required under the AML/CTF and sanctions program, assist in the development of written responses to regulatory queries related to financial crimes compliance, and deliver periodic training to colleagues in the London office. You will serve as a subject matter expert to the business on complex AML/CTF and sanctions regulatory compliance matters and utilise that knowledge to advise the business. You will have experience with a registered cryptoasset business in the United Kingdom and possess strong knowledge of the United Kingdom’s AML/CTF regulatory framework.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Implement and develop the AML/CTF and sanctions compliance programs in the United Kingdom, ensuring the execution of effective and appropriate controls that reflect the business’ inherent risks and regulatory requirements. 
• Develop financial crimes policies, procedures, and risk assessments for new products and services, and work closely with Regulatory Compliance and Legal personnel to obtain local registrations and authorisations. 
• In coordination with the Chief Compliance Officer, build local compliance operations that align with the requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority: 
• Build risk-based Know Your Customer (KYC), transaction monitoring (both on-chain and off-chain), and watchlist screening,
• Work with Global Compliance colleagues to draft model documents, and perform annual model validation of KYC, transaction monitoring and sanctions screening tools to detect unusual activity. Investigate and report suspicious activity in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the compliance services provided by the Ripple Group to the United Kingdom. This requires the individual to track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), regulatory reporting submissions, and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs).
• Oversee the Senior Manager, UK Financial Crimes Compliance. These includes day-to-day management as well as professional development and mentorship.
• Build relationships with the Managing Director, UK & Europe as well as relevant internal teams (Product, Business Development, Sales, Engineering) to ensure that any financial crimes compliance queries are responded to in a timely manner and that such teams operate in accordance with local regulatory requirements and industry best practices. 
• Represent the firm on financial crimes matters in front of local regulatory bodies, including the Financial Conduct Authority. This includes the delivery of presentations, participation in routine regulatory inspections, and preparation of written responses to ad hoc queries.
• Conduct annual risk assessments and make annual updates to policies, procedures, and other relevant program documents. 
• Work with Global Compliance leadership to develop strategic plans and ensure the timely completion of strategic initiatives and key goals.
• Prepare periodic reports to local Senior Management, the Board of Directors, and Ripple Group committees to create awareness of all relevant compliance matters and escalate any important or high risk compliance issues.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING: 

• 12+ years of AML/CTF and sanctions experience in a financial services firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
• Previous appointment as Money Laundering Reporting Officer for a registered cryptoasset business.
• 2+ years of people management experience. 
• Experience with cross-border payments AML/CTF and sanctions program management.
• Strong operational knowledge in building and running a sound compliance program, with hands-on knowledge and an understanding of regulatory requirements for electronic money firms and cryptoasset businesses in the United Kingdom.
• Ability to effectively present on AML/CTF and sanctions topics to internal and external parties. This includes regulatory bodies, auditors, and banking partners. 
• Proven ability to understand complex AML/CTF and sanctions risk and operational issues and develop practical and risk-based solutions. 
• Ability to provide practical, strategic and business-oriented advice.
• Ability to effectively present on AML/CTF and sanctions topics to internal and external parties. 
• Proven ability to oversee multiple concurrent projects. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; at ease communicating and presenting to senior management. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
• Experience with technology and/or financial services companies.
• Strong desire to have certifications related to financial compliance or cryptoassets.

WHO WE ARE:

Do Your Best Work

• The opportunity to build in a fast-paced start-up environment with experienced industry leaders
• A learning environment where you can dive deep into the latest technologies and make an impact.  A professional development budget to support other modes of learning.
• Thrive in an environment where no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, origin, or culture they identify with, every employee is a respected, valued, and empowered part of the team.
• In-office collaboration for moments that matter is important to our culture, and we give managers and teams the flexibility to decide which 10+ days a month they come in. 
• Weekly all-company meeting - business updates and ask me anything style discussion with our Leadership Team
• We come together for moments that matter which include team offsites, team bonding activities, happy hours and more!

Take Control of Your Finances

• Competitive salary, bonuses, and equity
• Competitive benefits that cover physical and mental healthcare, retirement, family forming, and family support
• Employee giving match
• Mobile phone stipend

Take Care of Yourself

• R&R days so you can rest and recharge
• Generous wellness reimbursement and weekly onsite & virtual programming
• Generous vacation policy - work with your manager to take time off when you need it
• Industry-leading parental leave policies. Family planning benefits.
• Catered lunches, fully-stocked kitchens with premium snacks/beverages, and plenty of fun events

Benefits listed above are for full-time employees.