Deputy MLRO - Spain

Job description

We're looking for a Fincrime expert to help us set up our Spanish branch from the ground up. Acting as DMLRO, you will join our growing team and support the Head of Compliance/MLRO and the Country Manager in designing a robust and effective financial crime compliance framework for Wise Spain, which includes AML, CTF and Sanctions. This role requires you to play a key part in ensuring adequate controls are in place, aligned with Spanish regulatory obligations, and to actively collaborate with first line teams, product development, and other key stakeholders in global teams.

What You'll Be Doing

Deputise for the MLRO when necessary, internally, ensuring strong oversight of financial crime operations and management of fincrime risks, and externally with authorities and auditors. Oversee the suspicious activity reporting processes, including establishing standards for receiving internal reports, making final decisions, and submitting external reports (SARs) to SEPBLAC. Maintain and oversee the local financial crime policy framework and program, ensuring alignment with the Spanish regulatory requirements and market practice.

Horizon scan for new financial crime regulations and guidance, identifying emerging regulatory developments, and overseeing the implementation of necessary changes. Provide assurance and challenge to First Line of Defence (1LoD) teams on financial crime controls, ensuring they are effective and aligned with Wise’s risk appetite and regulatory standards. Support product and business teams by advising on financial crime compliance for new products and features, ensuring controls meet requirements from the outset.

Coordination and response to information requests from Internal Audit and the External Expert. Creation of risk assessment reports, both for the Branch's self-assessment and for the launch of new products. Support the creation and delivery of content shared with regulators (e.g. SEPBLAC's Annual Statistical Requirement), and support the MLRO as a liaison to the Financial Intelligence Unit and law enforcement bodies.

You'll Have The Opportunity To

• Participate in the set up of the Wise EU Spanish Branch from the ground up
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of Wise's customers and products and be part of our mission to make money without borders
• Help keep our Products safe and compliant Choose your own path to impact and success - you’ll be part of the compliance team of our Branch in Spain but you will be empowered to have ownership from day one What You'll Bring: 7+ years of experience in financial crime compliance, specifically in AML/CTF, with experience in fast-paced environments and project management skills.

In-depth knowledge of relevant rules and regulations, including what local regulators expect in terms of industry standards. Domain expertise in Spanish financial crime regulations, risk management frameworks, and control environments, particularly in AML (KYC/CDD, Transaction Monitoring, Suspicious activity reporting, etc), CTF and Fraud. Demonstrable experience designing and proactively challenging processes and controls to promote a compliant yet practical approach to building and maintaining products.

You have thought deeply about the Wise's mission and how it intersects with compliance. Strong communication skills and the ability to make a logical, persuasive argument for relevant teams, fairly representing the regulatory requirements and risks.