At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk management and onboarding processes, ensuring compliance and effectiveness.
- Company: Join a fast-growing fintech company revolutionising payments in the UK and Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical, life assurance, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we value every unique perspective.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while driving innovation in risk management.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in risk management with leadership experience; AML and credit risk knowledge essential.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About Us
Founded in 2018, we are one of the largest independent, fully vertically integrated omnichannel payments companies in the UK and Europe. We help businesses receive payments either through POS systems or online. We have 350 employees across our head office in London, regional offices in the UK and Kazakhstan. We are growing quickly and are on the lookout for the very best talent to help us achieve our mission; to be a Pioneering Payments Provider, Powering businesses to thrive.
Job Summary
The Head of Risk Onboarding (1st Line of Defence) will be responsible for leading the Risk and Onboarding function, with a particular focus on ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of DNA Payments first line of defence risk management systems. This role encompasses expertise in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), card schemes, credit risk, internal controls, and post-onboarding management, ensuring that the firm’s client onboarding process, risk assessments, and internal controls are robust and compliant with regulatory standards. The candidate should have demonstrable experience in onboarding complex and non-standard business models, including SMEs with layered organisational structures. The successful candidate will interpret documentation types, assess risk, and ensure regulatory compliance. The individual will manage and lead a team focused on maintaining operational risk management standards and driving continuous improvements across risk processes. The role is expected to have around three direct reports and to lead a wider team of at least 10.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and management of the firm’s overall risk management framework, focusing on risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across all client onboarding processes, particularly high-risk onboarding and ongoing monitoring.
- Ensure effective AML and card scheme compliance policies within the first line of defence, aligned with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
- Direct change management initiatives within the first line of defence to enhance risk controls, reflecting regulatory changes and business needs.
- Lead credit risk management strategy, focusing on credit risk in card schemes, with robust risk appetite and credit assessment protocols.
- Analyse and report on the credit risk portfolio, providing insights to manage risk exposure across card schemes.
- Oversee post-onboarding processes, maintaining client relationships and risk controls with regular monitoring of compliance and operational standards.
- Develop and implement effective internal controls across onboarding, ongoing client management, and compliance monitoring to mitigate risks.
- Assess internal control effectiveness and provide early warnings of potential risks.
- Collaborate with senior management to address escalated risks within the first line of defence, providing governance and mitigation strategies.
- Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring preparation, compliance, and timely corrective actions.
- Provide strategic leadership to first-line risk and onboarding teams, driving continuous improvements in risk processes and onboarding efficiency.
Requirements / Qualifications
- At least 5 years in risk management, compliance, or related roles with AML, credit risk, card schemes, and internal controls; experience in acquiring or issuing payments is preferred; minimum 2 years experience managing a team and working with C-level executives.
- Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams with a focus on change management and continuous improvement in a regulated environment.
- Experience with onboarding automation tools, outsourcing management, and vendor tooling.
- Strong background in developing and overseeing risk management strategies and frameworks related to onboarding, AML, credit risk, and card schemes.
Technical Knowledge
- Deep understanding of AML regulations, card scheme compliance (Visa, MasterCard), and financial crime prevention frameworks.
- Expertise in credit risk management within financial services and payment systems.
- Strong understanding of internal control systems, including risk assessment, monitoring, and reporting.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements (FCA, PRA, and other jurisdictions) and industry best practices.
Skills
- Strong leadership and management abilities to motivate and oversee teams across multiple risk disciplines.
- Excellent communication with senior management, external regulators, and clients.
- Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret complex data and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to drive change and process improvements focused on efficiency and effectiveness.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll work with a collaborative team in a fast-growth fintech environment and have opportunities to learn and develop. Benefits include:
- 25 days holiday per year
- Private medical
- Life assurance
- Ride to work
- Access to self-learning platform
- Bookboon
- Income protection
- Workplace pension
- Employee assistance programme
Educate, Discover & Inspire
DNA Payments believes that diversity drives innovation and inclusion fosters creativity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate and promote an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. If you require reasonable adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Finance and Sales
Head of Risk Onboarding (1LOD) in City of London employer: DNA Payments
At DNA Payments, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering fintech employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive benefits such as private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and access to self-learning platforms, all within a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. Join us in our London office and be part of a rapidly growing team dedicated to empowering businesses across the UK and Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk Onboarding (1LOD) in City of London
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like DNA Payments looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk Onboarding (1LOD) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at DNA Payments. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at DNA Payments
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with DNA Payments’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
