At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build AI-driven compliance systems for a fast-scaling fintech.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge global fintech platform at the forefront of AI and investing.
- Benefits: Top-tier salary, equity options, and a flexible remote work environment.
- Other info: Work directly with the CEO and enjoy significant career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that automates the future of asset investing with AI.
- Qualifications: Must be South African qualified with strong compliance and AI skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A confidential search on behalf of a fast-scaling global fintech platform operating at the intersection of AI, tokenised assets, and real-world investing. With tens of thousands of clients across multiple jurisdictions and backing from respected international investors, this is a business that has already earned its credibility and is now building the compliance infrastructure to match its ambition.
This is not a role for a box-ticker or clock watcher. We are looking for an operator and a builder: an AI fanatic who is ruthless about standards and almost forensic about detail. You read the FSCA handbook as logic to be engineered, not paperwork to be filed. You move at the speed of the tools you work with, you ship, and you would rather automate a problem out of existence than manage it by hand forever.
Your use of AI is systematic to the point of being mechanical: structured workflows, repeatable pipelines, and outputs engineered to come back the same way every run, never improvised. Above all, you carry a true start-up mindset: when something looks finished, that is precisely the moment you start pulling it apart to find what could be sharper. "Good enough" is not in your vocabulary; there is only the next level up.
The right person is rare precisely because they pair genuine regulatory rigour with the instincts of an engineer who is never quite satisfied.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- You are an AI fanatic. Systematic to the point of being robotic about AI. You treat AI as an engineering discipline: structured workflows, documented prompts, repeatable pipelines, and outputs you can reproduce and audit every single time.
- Forensic attention to detail and ruthless about standards. Zero tolerance for sloppy controls, gaps, or "good enough"; you raise the bar wherever you go.
- An operator through and through. Bias to action, ships working systems, and would rather solve a problem in software than carry it manually forever.
- A start-up mindset. You are never finished. The moment someone thinks something looks perfect, is the moment you find the angle that makes it better.
- Intellectually relentless and competitive. You will work shoulder to shoulder with a founder who is exceptionally sharp and openly competitive.
Scope of Role
- AI-Native Compliance Architecture: Design and build autonomous and semi-autonomous compliance agents using agentic AI tooling (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) to run FICA and FAIS reporting pipelines.
- Regulatory Oversight & Engagement: Hold ultimate responsibility for the business meeting all applicable South African regulatory requirements, with primary focus on FSCA, FICA, and FAIS.
- Enablement & Product Partnership: Partner with product, operations, and customer-facing teams to embed compliance thinking at every stage.
- AML, KYC/KYB & Data Integrity: Lead the organisation's approach to AML, data protection, and broader risk management.
Qualifications & Experience
- A degree in Law, Finance, Investments, or Accounting, and an FSCA-recognised qualification.
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).
- Passed the RE5 exam.
- Category I, and ideally Category II, FSP experience.
- Crypto compliance experience, including the Travel Rule and blockchain monitoring.
- Minimum 5 years in compliance or risk management in a similar role, ideally within high-growth fintech.
Tech Stack
- AI tooling: Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini
- Verification and monitoring: Sumsub (KYC/KYB, Travel Rule, blockchain analytics)
- Transaction monitoring: Crystal Intelligence
- Crypto custody: Fireblocks
- Operations and comms: Google Workspace, Slack
- Design and wireframing: Figma
Why This Opportunity
- Direct API access to the CEO and a real seat at the table on compliance and AI strategy.
- Work where AI is the foundation, not a buzzword, and help automate the future of asset investing.
- A high bar. You will be surrounded by people who operate at your level.
- Fully remote flexibility with a world-class home-computer budget.
- Top-quartile compensation plus equity in a high-growth AI-fintech business.
This represents a confidential search conducted on behalf of our client. To protect the confidentiality of the business, specific company details will be shared exclusively with shortlisted candidates.
Head of Compliance in Guildford employer: Sataya
At SATĀYA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and excellence in the fintech space. Our remote work culture fosters flexibility and autonomy, allowing you to thrive while collaborating with top-tier talent in a dynamic environment. With competitive compensation, equity options, and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our team to push boundaries and redefine compliance through cutting-edge AI solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in Guildford
✨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 Sataya looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Guildford
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 Sataya. 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 Sataya
✨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 Sataya’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
