At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global cybersecurity strategy and ensure compliance with key regulations.
- Company: Join Circle, a leading internet financial platform driving innovation in digital assets.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate globally and mentor teams while shaping the future of finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security and compliance in the evolving digital economy.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in cybersecurity and strong knowledge of EU regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Circle (NYSE: CRCL) is one of the world's leading internet financial platform companies, building the foundation of a more open, global economy through digital assets, payment applications, and programmable blockchain infrastructure. Circle's platform includes the world's largest regulated stablecoin network anchored by USDC, Circle Payments Network for global money movement, and Arc, an enterprise-grade blockchain designed to become the Economic OS for the internet.
As Director, Security Compliance (International), you will play a critical leadership role in shaping Circle's global cybersecurity and technology risk management strategy. Based in France, this role is responsible for ensuring Circle France's security and technology operations comply with MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), and other applicable EU and international regulatory requirements.
This is a highly visible, regulator-facing role that blends deep technical expertise, regulatory fluency, and people leadership to strengthen Circle's international security governance, resilience, and risk posture as the company continues to scale globally.
What You Will Work On- Security Governance, Oversight, and Deployment
- Oversee security and technology risk governance across Circle's international operations, ensuring compliance with MiCA, DORA, and Circle's enterprise security standards.
- Partner closely with the Chief Security Officer and senior security leadership to implement policies, controls, and operational procedures tailored to Circle France's regulatory environment.
- Drive security roadmap initiatives, ensuring deep integration across engineering, product, and international expansion efforts.
- Provide regular, executive-level updates on risk posture, emerging threats, and remediation progress.
- Operational and Strategic Risk Management
- Provide effective oversight of cybersecurity and technology operations, ensuring governance processes enable timely identification, escalation, and remediation of risks.
- Influence Circle's international security and technology strategy, embedding resilience and compliance into program execution.
- Apply strong technical judgment across systems architecture, data platforms, software development, IT operations, and security controls to proactively mitigate risk.
- Lead enterprise and regional risk assessments on behalf of Circle France across engineering, cyber, and operational domains.
- Develop and execute security roadmaps supporting international deployments and regulatory obligations.
- Regulatory Engagement and Audit Management
- Serve as a primary liaison with regulators and auditors for Circle France, demonstrating compliance with MiCA, DORA, and other EU and international frameworks.
- Coordinate internal and external audits and regulatory examinations, ensuring findings are tracked, remediated, and reported effectively.
- Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Risk teams to maintain continuous regulatory readiness and support supervisory engagements.
- Leadership and Collaboration
- Collaborate across global and regional teams to strengthen security governance, risk management, and operational resilience.
- Contribute to the evolution of Circle's international risk management standards, ensuring alignment with enterprise security and compliance frameworks.
- Mentor and develop regional security, risk, and compliance professionals, fostering collaboration and career growth across distributed teams.
- Drive outcomes in partnership with security leadership for roadmap delivery and international expansion initiatives.
- 15+ years of experience in cybersecurity, technology risk management, IT governance, or related disciplines within financial services, fintech, or technology environments.
- Deep expertise in MiCA, DORA, and EU/global cybersecurity and technology regulations.
- Proven experience leading and influencing diverse, international teams, with strong coaching and people leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional, enterprise-level initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of security and IT control frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, COBIT) and risk assessment methodologies.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and program management skills, including experience preparing executive and regulatory-facing materials.
- Expert ability to drive outcomes through teams and functions beyond direct control.
- Fluency in English required; proficiency in French required.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree or professional certifications (CISA, CRISC, CISSP, CISM) preferred.
- Thrive in a global, fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
- Are passionate about security, compliance, and operational resilience in the digital asset ecosystem.
- Enjoy collaborating across cultures, time zones, and disciplines to solve complex regulatory and technical challenges.
- Believe in the power of trust, transparency, and innovation to make financial systems more inclusive.
Director, Security Compliance employer: Circle
Circle is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. As a leader in the digital asset space, employees benefit from a flexible work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on global financial systems. With a commitment to transparency and regulatory excellence, Circle empowers its team members to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven atmosphere while ensuring compliance with international standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Security Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Circle’s values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission and how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your background and how it fits into the role of Director, Security Compliance. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Security Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in cybersecurity and compliance, especially with MiCA and DORA. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Circle!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Director, you'll be leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully managed diverse teams and driven initiatives in your previous roles. We love seeing strong leadership in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences. We appreciate clarity and directness in communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Circle
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in MiCA, DORA, and other relevant EU regulations. Brush up on how these laws impact security compliance and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these frameworks.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about cybersecurity and risk management. Be ready to explain your approach to security governance and how you’ve implemented controls in past positions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves liaising with regulators and executives, practice articulating complex ideas simply and effectively. Use clear examples from your experience to illustrate your points during the interview.
