At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global risk management and develop frameworks for a fast-growing fintech.
- Company: Join Airwallex, a leading unified payments platform valued at US$8 billion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and diversity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of global banking while tackling high-impact challenges.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in risk management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ 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 2,200 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.
About the team
The Global Risk team at Airwallex plays a critical role in enabling the company’s growth by building a strong, scalable, and globally consistent approach to risk management. The team works across the business to define risk appetite, develop frameworks and policies, support strategic decision‑making, and provide oversight of key risks as Airwallex expands across products, markets, and regulatory environments.
What you’ll do
As Head of Risk, you will lead and scale Airwallex’s global second line risk management function across our worldwide operations. This is a senior leadership role for someone who can turn risk management into a business enabler by building robust frameworks, clear governance, effective monitoring, and a strong risk culture across a fast‑growing fintech.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead Airwallex’s global risk management function and framework, spanning risk monitoring, detection, policy development, governance, escalation, and assurance activities across the Group’s worldwide operations.
- Create and execute risk strategies, guidelines, performance metrics, and monitoring mechanisms that identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across Airwallex’s existing and future products.
- Partner closely with Risk Product, Risk Operations, Engineering, Product, Data Science, Commercial, Operations, Compliance, and other stakeholders to manage risk at various levels.
- Communicate Airwallex’s risk appetite clearly and effectively across the company.
- Collaborate with business, operations, technology, and product leaders to deliver measurable business outcomes while minimising exposure to risks.
- Monitor, enhance, and embed the Risk Management Framework.
- Work closely with the Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer, the CEO, and other senior executives on risk, control, governance, and strategic decision‑making topics.
- Advise management on external risk, governance, and regulatory requirements.
- Champion a strong and practical risk culture across Airwallex.
- Recruit, develop, and lead a high performing global team of risk professionals.
Who you are
We're looking for people who meet the minimum requirements for this role.
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Law, or a related field.
- 15+ years of relevant experience in Risk Management, Compliance, Control, or Audit within fintech, payments, remittance, banking, or broader financial services.
- Strong experience building or leading risk management frameworks, governance models, and oversight programmes.
- Demonstrated ability to define and operationalise risk appetite, policies, metrics, and escalation processes.
- Experience working closely with senior management and cross functional teams.
- Experience leading international teams and operating effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience in fintech and financial services, especially in payments, consumer finance, remittance, or other global money movement businesses.
- A combination of advisory and hands on risk management experience.
- Experience partnering with regulators, auditors, boards, or executive risk committees.
- Comfort working across a broad risk landscape.
- An independent, high ownership mindset.
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.
VP, Global Risk 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 fintech landscape. With a commitment to professional growth, team collaboration, and a strong emphasis on risk management, employees are equipped to tackle complex challenges and contribute to the company's ambitious mission. Located in vibrant hubs across the US and EMEA, Airwallex offers unique opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly expanding organisation valued at US$8 billion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP, Global Risk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your 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 risk management. 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 challenges in risk management. 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 noticed. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in being part of the Airwallex team.
We think you need these skills to ace VP, Global Risk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the VP, Global Risk role. Highlight your relevant experience in risk management and how it aligns with Airwallex's mission. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've built or led risk management frameworks and how those contributed to business growth. We love seeing results-driven candidates!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like risk management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed efficiently, and you'll be one step closer to joining our innovative team at Airwallex. Let's build the future together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airwallex
✨Know Your Risk Management Framework
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand risk management frameworks and governance models. Be ready to discuss how you've built or led these in previous roles, especially in complex environments. This will show that you can bring valuable expertise to Airwallex.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Airwallex values collaboration across teams. Prepare examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams, particularly in fintech or financial services. Highlight your ability to influence at the executive level and how you’ve communicated risk appetite effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve developed and executed risk strategies that align with business priorities. Think about specific metrics or monitoring mechanisms you've implemented to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, and be ready to share those insights.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Experience
As a senior role, they’ll want to know about your experience leading international teams. Share your approach to recruiting and developing high-performing teams, and how you’ve fostered a strong risk culture in your previous positions. This will show you’re ready to take on the challenges at Airwallex.
