Head of Risk and Compliance

About the company

We’re partnering with a global fintech launching its operations in Brazil. The company develops infrastructure for cross-border payments, foreign exchange, and digital asset liquidity, helping businesses move money internationally.

About the role

As Head of Risk & Compliance, you’ll build and lead the risk, compliance, and internal control frameworks for the Brazilian operation.

This is a senior leadership role combining hands-on execution with statutory responsibility before Banco Central do Brasil (BCB), subject to regulatory approval. You’ll lead second-line oversight across local operations and work closely with local and global leadership to support a compliant, scalable launch.

What you’ll do

Lead financial crime compliance: Establish and manage the local AML/CFT framework, including beneficial ownership verification, PEP and sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, Travel Rule compliance, and reporting to COAF.

Own risk management and internal controls: Implement an integrated risk management framework, oversee regulatory capital requirements, maintain operational risk records, and report to the Board.

Oversee partner and vendor compliance: Conduct compliance due diligence and ongoing risk assessments for banking and Banking-as-a-Service partners, liquidity providers, and critical vendors.

Manage regulatory relationships: Serve as the primary contact for BCB, COAF, and external auditors on risk and compliance matters.

Build local governance: Develop policies, controls, and reporting processes that meet Brazilian regulatory requirements and align with the company’s global framework.

Partner with the business: Work with commercial, operations, product, and technology leaders to embed effective controls as the Brazilian operation grows.

What you’ll bring

At least eight years of experience in senior risk or compliance roles within regulated Brazilian financial institutions, such as banks, payment institutions, or virtual asset service providers.

Deep knowledge of Brazilian AML/CFT requirements, financial regulation, risk management, internal controls, and COAF reporting systems.

Familiarity with BCB Circular 3,978/2020 and Resolutions 520/2025, 260/2022, and 265/2022.

Experience engaging directly with regulators and external auditors.

The ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical policies, processes, and controls.

Strong judgment, clear communication, and a hands-on approach to building a new operation.

Fluency in Portuguese and English.

Residency in Brazil , an unblemished professional reputation, and eligibility for BCB approval as a statutory officer.

Why join?

This is an opportunity to shape the Brazilian operation from its earliest stages, with ownership of the local risk and compliance function. You’ll help establish the governance and controls that enable a global fintech to grow in a complex and strategically important market.