Head of Compliance & MLRO - Fintech (KSA)

Cherry Ventures is supporting our portfolio with this hire.About Pemo

• We’re the fastest-growing fintech in expense management in MENA
• We offer corporate cards and expense management software that help companies save time and money
•  We’re a seed-stage startup backed by leading global investors like Cherry Ventures, Fintech Collective, Speedinvest — and supported by fintech leaders behind Nium and Qonto
• We value independent thinking, ownership, and high trust
• We’re a close-knit team of superachievers redefining B2B payments in the region

IF YOU WANT TO

• 🛡️ Shape the future of fintech compliance at one of the region’s fastest-growing startups.
• 🔍 Be a trusted advisor across the business, building strong regulatory relationships and ensuring airtight integrity and risk controls.
• 🏗️Build the compliance function from the ground up — designing frameworks, choosing the right tools and partners, and educating both the organization and regulators while embedding compliance into the core of an innovative, mission-driven fintech
• 🌍 Influence and implement world-class compliance frameworks that keep us ahead of the curve locally and internationally.
• 🤝 Be part of a driven, and ambitious team redefining the fintech experience for businesses across MENA.

YOU ARE

• ✅ A compliance expert with 5-7 years of hands-on experience in AML, regulatory affairs, or a similar role. 
• 📚 Deeply familiar with UK/EU central bank regulations, with direct experience managing compliance programs in financial services or payments. Knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks is a plus.
• 📈 Analytical and structured in your thinking, with a knack for translating complex regulations into simple, actionable steps.
• 🗣️ A strong communicator, fluent in English with excellent writing and verbal presentation skills.
• 🔄 Adaptable in managing shifting priorities and timelines without compromising on accuracy or diligence.
• 💼 Experienced with RPCS and SVF licensing, and ideally hold ACAMS, CISI, or other relevant certifications.
• 🧠 Strategic yet detail-oriented — just as comfortable designing frameworks as you are deep-diving into audit findings.
• 🌟 Bonus points if you’ve worked in a fintech startup environment or helped a company scale its compliance infrastructure!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 📘 Own and update our compliance frameworks. Continuously review manuals, policies, and processes to reflect changing regulatory needs and best practices.
• 📝 Oversee timely and accurate regulatory filings — monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc — ensuring all obligations are met.
• 🤝 Build strong relationships with regulatory bodies and proactively manage our licenses, returns, and consents.
• 🎓 Deliver engaging training sessions and internal briefings that keep our team aligned and aware of compliance responsibilities.
• 🧩 Continuously evolve our compliance processes to enhance efficiency, risk management, and business alignment.
• 👥 Monitor AML/KYC checks and transaction monitoring systems, ensuring they're robust and in line with applicable laws.
• 🧾 Maintain detailed records of authorized individuals, complaints, breaches, and communications — audit-ready at all times.
• 📊 Conduct periodic compliance audits and board reporting, delivering actionable insights and improvements.
• 🧠 Advise the board and senior leadership on the impact of regulatory changes and help guide our strategy accordingly.
• 🚨 Lead internal investigations and file external suspicious activity reports to the UAE FIU when necessary.