Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Product Risk and Compliance Program for Wise across Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
- Company: Wise is a leading fintech company revolutionising cross-border money transfers for over 16 million users.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and travel in a diverse team.
- Why this job: Shape compliance strategies while making a real impact on global financial accessibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in compliance roles, strong communication skills, and knowledge of emerging markets are essential.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to building a borderless financial world.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Company Description
At Wise, our mission is to provide Money without borders: instant, convenient, and eventually free. Over 16 million users and businesses rely on Wise, processing over £9 billion in cross-border transactions monthly, saving customers over £ billion annually. We serve a diverse customer base, from individuals and freelancers to large enterprises and banks. Wise offers over 50 currencies for holding and converting money.
Your mission: Wise has pioneered new ways for cross-border money transfers. Your role is to shape the Product Risk and Compliance Program to enable Wise to serve more customers in more countries. This is a hands-on, first-line defense role, embedded within the Regional Product Squad. You will grow the Product Compliance and Risk team, lead projects, and make decisions in the following areas:
- Regulatory: Stay ahead of financial crime and regulatory compliance trends in Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Translate and implement regulatory requirements for Product and Engineering teams. Identify when local requirements can leverage global controls and when unique requirements need prioritization.
- Risk and controls: Lead Wise's response during audits, challenging assumptions and coordinating evidence collection. Define Regulatory and Financial Crime Risk metrics for markets in Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Coordinate efforts on issues, ensuring timely remediation.
- Reporting and external engagement: Monitor and report on the health of the Compliance and Risk Program to stakeholders. Lead discussions on Emerging Markets Regulatory, Financial Crime, and Risk issues. Participate in industry initiatives and represent Wise in legislative consultations.
Opportunities: Accelerate your Fintech expertise. Integrate Compliance into product and engineering development. Lead regulatory and compliance initiatives.
Qualifications: Experience in compliance roles such as Head of Risk and Compliance, Compliance Officer, MLRO, especially in new markets expansion. Knowledge across multiple compliance areas: fincrime, consumer protection, fund segregation, etc. Experience building compliance programs from scratch. Ability to influence business decisions and drive projects. Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences. Analytical mindset with data-driven decision-making skills. Experience in fast-growing environments and willingness to travel. Knowledge of markets like Brazil, UAE, South Africa, Mexico, or Chile is a plus.
Additional Information: We value diversity, equity, and inclusion. Join us in building a borderless financial world where everyone feels respected and empowered. Learn more about working at Wise and stay updated with our latest news.
Head of Product Risk and Compliance, Latin America, Middle East and Africa employer: Wise
Contact Detail:
Wise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Risk and Compliance, Latin America, Middle East and Africa
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory environments in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Understanding local compliance requirements will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fintech and compliance sectors, especially those who have experience in emerging markets. Engaging with industry experts can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in financial crime and compliance regulations. Being knowledgeable about current events and changes in legislation will position you as a well-informed candidate who can contribute to Wise's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in building compliance programmes from scratch. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced business decisions and driven projects in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Head of Product Risk and Compliance position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Risk and Compliance, Latin America, Middle East and Africa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in compliance roles, especially in new market expansions. Emphasise your knowledge of financial crime, consumer protection, and your ability to build compliance programmes from scratch.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for Wise's mission and how your background aligns with the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence business decisions and lead projects in compliance.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Provide examples in your application that showcase your analytical mindset and data-driven decision-making skills. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully defined risk metrics or led compliance initiatives.
Research Wise and Its Markets: Familiarise yourself with Wise's operations in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Understanding the regulatory landscape and financial crime trends in these regions will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wise
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory requirements in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Be prepared to discuss how you would translate these regulations into actionable strategies for Wise's Product and Engineering teams.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Experience
Highlight your previous roles in compliance, especially any experience building compliance programmes from scratch. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex compliance challenges in new markets.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you use data-driven decision-making in your work. Think of specific instances where your analytical mindset helped identify risks or improve compliance processes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves engaging with diverse stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Tailor your communication style to suit different audiences, showcasing your ability to influence business decisions.