At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global financial crime policy and risk management for a cutting-edge fintech company.
- Company: Join Airwallex, a leading global payments platform valued at US$8 billion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Work with innovative teams and tackle high-impact challenges in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global compliance strategies and shape the future of fintech.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in AML and financial crime compliance with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 € per year.
About Airwallex
Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 200,000 businesses worldwide with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale. Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 2,000 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across 26 offices around the globe. Valued at US$8 billion and backed by world-leading investors, Airwallex is leading the charge in building the global payments and financial platform of the future.
Attributes We Value
We hire successful builders with founder-like energy who want real impact, accelerated learning, and true ownership. You bring strong role-related expertise and sharp thinking, and you’re motivated by our mission and operating principles. You move fast with good judgment, dig deep with curiosity, and make decisions from first principles, balancing speed and rigor. You're humble and collaborative; turn zero‑to‑one ideas into real products, and you “get stuff done” end-to-end. You use AI to work smarter and solve problems faster. Here, you’ll tackle complex, high‑visibility problems with exceptional teammates and grow your career as we build the future of global banking.
About the Team
The Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) team at Airwallex is a strategically vital function operating under a clear Three Lines of Defense model. As the independent second line, FCC owns the global AML/CTF program, sanctions framework, risk assessment methodology, and governance infrastructure across all global entities. As Airwallex scales into new markets and deepens its engagement with global regulatory bodies, we are building a world-class compliance organization capable of managing complex financial crime risks at scale.
What you'll do
- Lead the evolution and maintenance of Airwallex's Global Core FCC Policy Framework, ensuring the compliance baseline meets the expectations of global regulators while supporting business growth and regional scalability.
- Lead the definition and oversight of the FCC governance model and risk management framework, including establishment of risk appetite incorporating business strategy.
- Define the methodology, thresholds, and data-scoring models used to identify and mitigate financial crime risks globally.
- Translate complex compliance data, issues, and audit findings into clear, decision-useful reporting for executive leadership and the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee.
- Oversee the strategy for regulatory examination defense and disclosure governance.
- Drive a unified, risk-aware compliance culture across the organization.
- Support the Global Head of FCC and Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer in setting and overseeing strategic FCC program priorities.
- Build and lead a high-performing global second line team of compliance attorneys, quantitative risk modelers, policy writers, and governance managers.
Who you are
We're looking for people who meet the minimum requirements for this role.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Criminology, Public Policy, Finance, Business Administration, International Relations, or a related analytical field.
- CAMS certification or an equivalent globally recognized compliance credential.
- 12 to 15+ years of experience in AML, Sanctions, and Financial Crime Compliance within financial services, fintech, payments, or banking.
- At least 5+ years leading a global or multi-jurisdictional compliance policy, governance, or risk methodology function at a senior level.
- Proven experience designing enterprise-wide risk assessment frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience preparing risk papers and leading the defense during high-stakes regulatory examinations.
- A high-ownership, pragmatic approach, with excellent written communication and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred qualifications:
- Advanced degree such as a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or a Master’s degree in Regulatory Compliance or Financial Crime.
- Advanced professional designations such as CAMS-Audit, CGSS, or CAMS-RM.
- Deep fintech and payments experience.
- Experience partnering directly with Product, Data Science, and Engineering teams.
- Strong data literacy and a clear bias toward digital modernization.
Applicant Safety Policy: Fraud and Third-Party Recruiters
To protect you from recruitment scams, please be aware that Airwallex will not ask for bank details, sensitive ID numbers, or any form of payment during the application or interview process. All official communication will come from an @airwallex.com email address.
Equal opportunity
Airwallex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent.
Global Lead of AML & Sanctions, Governance & Policy in London employer: Airwallex
Airwallex is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to take ownership of their roles while driving innovation in the global financial landscape. With a commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from accelerated learning opportunities and collaboration with top-tier talent across 26 offices worldwide. Located in key markets such as the US and EMEA, Airwallex offers a unique chance to tackle high-impact challenges in a rapidly evolving fintech environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Lead of AML & Sanctions, Governance & Policy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Airwallex. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Airwallex's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals, especially in AML and compliance. We love candidates who can connect the dots!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled complex compliance challenges. We want to hear about your journey and how you’ve made an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Airwallex team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Lead of AML & Sanctions, Governance & Policy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global Lead of AML & Sanctions role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial crime compliance and governance, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Airwallex.
Showcase Your Expertise:We want to see your strong role-related expertise shine through! Include specific examples of your past work in AML, sanctions, and risk management. This is your chance to demonstrate how you've tackled complex challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. We appreciate good communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our official careers page! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Airwallex team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airwallex
✨Know Your AML & Sanctions Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and regulations surrounding AML and sanctions. Brush up on key compliance frameworks and be ready to discuss how they apply to Airwallex's operations. This shows your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Global Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-stakes environments. Highlight your experience in building a compliance culture and driving strategic initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require you to think critically about complex compliance scenarios. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Align with Airwallex’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Airwallex’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also genuinely passionate about the company’s vision.
