Director, Legal Compliance

Our Purpose Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart, and accessible. Our technology, innovation, partnerships, and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses, and governments realize their greatest potential.

Please note: This role is based in our Peterborough office (PE7 8FJ). Candidates must be comfortable working from our office 3 days per week.

The Mastercard Prepaid Management Services (MPMS) Compliance Team is responsible for ensuring the MPMS business adheres to all regulatory requirements, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies and legislation. The Director, Legal Compliance, reports to the VP Compliance, Risk & Fraud and provides direction and support for the implementation and oversight of the business compliance program, including AML, Sanctions, Treating Customers Fairly, and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) globally.

Key Accountabilities

• Deputise for the VP Global Compliance, as required.
• Manage a team of Analysts within the EMEAA region.
• Produce, implement, and maintain compliance risk assessments, policies, and procedures to ensure they align with relevant legislation, industry guidance, and issuer requirements, covering areas such as AML, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), TCF, identity theft, vulnerable customers, PEPs, sanctions screening, distributor oversight, program risk assessments, and risk control matrices.
• Develop appropriate program frameworks for issuer compliance and AML requirements, including system development, operational processes, and resource needs.
• Manage ongoing compliance relationships with issuers, including new product initiatives, AML monitoring, SAR reporting, TCF policy review, and regular communication.
• Maintain and develop AML monitoring programs in line with regulations and issuer requirements, including transaction reporting and suspicious activity reporting.
• Oversee AML transaction monitoring and PEP & Sanctions screening systems, including configuration and testing.
• Manage sanctions screening programs for cardholders, distributors, and corporates across regions, ensuring compliance with regulations and guidance.
• Review and assess new business projects and design compliance controls to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Approve new market or product launches as applicable.
• Represent MPMS Compliance in technical change and delivery at PI Planning events.
• Review and approve marketing materials, including financial promotions, in line with industry guidance and issuer requirements.
• Manage and oversee staff training on AML, CTF, anti-bribery, and TCF, including material updates and tracking completion.
• Review departmental processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Support process improvements related to KYC and compliance.
• Act as escalation point for compliance queries.
• Provide regular reporting and MI to the VP Global Compliance and escalate issues as needed.
• Manage internal and external audits, including documentation and improvements.
• Assist with HMRC MSB registration maintenance.
• Stay updated on industry and regulatory developments, maintaining relationships with relevant teams and proactively responding to changes.
• Assess regulatory impacts and design controls for AML, sanctions, anti-bribery, and TCF policies.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with regulations and issuer requirements.

Core Skills

• Significant experience in a senior compliance role within financial services.
• ACAMS/ICA certification.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
• Expertise in AML regulations and sanctions across regions.
• Ability to interpret regulations and develop practical procedures.
• Discretion handling sensitive information.
• Strong communication skills for engaging stakeholders.
• Relationship-building skills.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of prepaid card/electronic money products.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks carry inherent risks. Every employee must:

• Follow Mastercard’s security policies.
• Ensure confidentiality and integrity of accessed information.
• Report any security violations or breaches.
• Complete mandatory security training.