Chief Group Compliance Officer

We are searching for a Chief Group Compliance Officer to oversee compliance globally ensuring compliance with laws, regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures. In the context of having EMI licenses in the UK and Lithuania (and through it, serving customers across the EU), this role will establish and drive relationships with key external stakeholders (external auditors, banking providers, regulators, etc.) as well as oversee the performance of compliance operations and oversee the compliance of our key payments infrastructure.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and oversee a robust compliance framework to ensure adherence to global regulatory requirements in relation to Payhawk’s EMI licenses in the UK and Lithuania.
• Lead compliance strategies across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring alignment with local and EU-wide laws, including anti-money laundering (AML), anti-terrorism financing (CTF), and financial crime prevention.
• Build and maintain relationships with regulatory authorities, external auditors, and key third-party stakeholders, including banking providers.
• Lead compliance risk assessments with a business mindset to identify potential gaps, vulnerabilities, and risks in Payhawk’s operations.
• Ensure effective mitigation strategies are in place for emerging risks, particularly in relation to EMI license obligations and financial services regulations across the EU.
• Build, lead and retain a strong compliance team across the various locations
• Embed a strong compliance culture throughout Payhawk
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in compliance processes, tools, and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and regulatory readiness.

Skills, knowledge and experience:

• Proven experience (10+ years) in a senior compliance role within financial services, fintech, or banking, with significant exposure to EMI-related regulations in Europe.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing the UK, Lithuania, and broader EU financial services.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with regulators, external auditors, and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage compliance risk, lead complex projects, and implement robust compliance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of financial crime prevention (AML/CTF), data privacy, and safeguarding requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to influence across all levels of an organization.
• Hands-on Experience
• Global experience, especially with labor law compliance in Europe.

Company Benefits

• 30 days holiday paid leave
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to use the Payhawk product with a monthly commuting allowance.
• Health and Fitness membership
• Private healthcare
• An L&D budget to support continuous development
• Exchange policy to another Payhawk office
• Regular team-wide company events

Please note that unfortunately we cannot provide visa sponsorship, and to be considered for this role, candidates must be able to provide proof of their eligibility to work.

Payhawk is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.