JOB SUMMARY
As part of our continued commitment to regulatory excellence, we are seeking to onboard a highly experienced Principal Officer (PO) who will serve as the face of compliance for the organization. This individual will lead all regulatory, AML, and governance functions in India while also contributing to our global AML/KYC initiatives.
This is a mission-critical leadership role focused on building, optimizing, and managing a risk-based AML/CTF framework tailored to the virtual asset environment, aligned with both global and jurisdiction-specific regulations.
The Principal Officer will be responsible for ensuring end-to-end compliance with FIU-IND, PMLA, AML/CFT, and VDA regulatory frameworks. The role requires deep regulatory expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to collaborate effectively with regulators, auditors, and senior management.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Development & Execution
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of KYC and KYT frameworks in alignment with FATF recommendations, Travel Rule, and applicable AML/CTF regulations (e.g., VARA, FinCEN, OFAC).
- Act as the internal subject matter expert for all KYC/KYT operations, including workflow design, optimization, vendor/tool selection, and cross-functional integration.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive AML/CFT policies, SOPs, and internal controls with clearly documented end-to-end procedures (CDD, EDD, periodic reviews, and transaction monitoring).
- Continuously improve customer risk scoring models, operational efficiency, and regulatory reporting mechanisms based on data insights and evolving requirements.
- Maintain a centralized repository of compliance-related documentation.
2. KYC (Know Your Customer) Program Management
- Act as the designated Principal Officer with FIU-IND.
- Ensure full compliance with PMLA, AML/CFT guidelines, FIU-IND directives, and related regulations.
- Design, implement, and oversee AML frameworks including KYC, EDD, STR, CTR, and SAR processes.
- Manage Travel Rule compliance and oversee VDA transaction monitoring.
- Identify and report suspicious blockchain addresses and transactions.
- File STRs, CTRs, and other regulatory reports within stipulated timelines.
- Lead and manage FIU-IND inspections, audits, and regulatory engagements.
- Develop and maintain internal compliance policies, SOPs, and risk assessment frameworks.
- Collaborate with technology teams to implement compliance automation and controls.
- Conduct training programs on AML, compliance, and regulatory best practices.
- Serve as the primary liaison with regulators, auditors, and banking partners.
- Support senior management and the board on regulatory strategy and risk management.
Global AML/KYC Responsibilities:
- Design and manage end-to-end onboarding workflows for retail, corporate, and institutional clients, including integration with third-party KYC providers (e.g., Sumsub, Jumio).
- Develop and maintain dynamic customer risk rating methodologies and oversee remediation cycles.
- Conduct sanctions, PEP, watchlist, and adverse media screening using internal and external tools.
- Perform enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk customers and manage periodic and trigger-based reviews.
- Maintain and update KYC policies, SOPs, and governance documentation in line with regulatory requirements.
- Oversee system integration and automation of KYC processes, including identity verification and approval workflows.
- Escalate high-risk cases and support internal and regulatory reporting requirements.
3. KYT (Know Your Transaction) Program Management
- Configure and manage transaction monitoring systems, including rule-based and behavioral risk scenarios.
- Customize detection thresholds to effectively identify suspicious activity and mitigate AML/CFT risks.
- Utilize blockchain analytics tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic) to trace transactions, assess counterparties, and assign wallet risk scores.
- Ensure Travel Rule compliance through KYT tools (e.g., Sumsub).
- Review alerts, conduct transaction analysis, and escalate suspicious activities.
- Support SAR/STR preparation and submission where required.
- Maintain complete and auditable records of investigations and decisions in line with regulatory standards.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- 815+ years of experience in Compliance, AML, Risk, or Regulatory roles.
- Prior experience in Crypto, FinTech, Banking, Payments, or regulated financial institutions.
- Strong knowledge of FIU-IND, PMLA, AML/CFT, Travel Rule, and VDA regulations.
- Proven experience handling STR/CTR filings and regulatory audits.
- Familiarity with blockchain analytics tools (e.g., Chainalysis, TRM, Elliptic) is highly preferred.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Willingness to act as the official Principal Officer and/or Chief Compliance Officer.
- Ability to join immediately or on short notice is preferred.
- Deep understanding of global AML/CTF frameworks (e.g., FATF, EU AMLD, VARA).
- Relevant certifications such as ACAMS, ICA, or equivalent are highly preferred.
