Regulatory Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) Alternate

About Optimus

We are a dynamic and rapidly growing Electronic Money Institution (EMI) with operations in the UK, and expanding to Europe, firstly in Portugal. We are a Principal member of Mastercard. Our company is dedicated to providing secure, innovative, and seamless digital payment solutions to our global clientele. As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Regulatory Compliance Officer to join our compliance team and ensure that our operations adhere to all applicable regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping our compliance strategy, managing risk, and fostering a culture of integrity and transparency across the organisation.

Our business offers Embedded Finance solutions through Banking as a Service (BaaS), Cards as a Service (CaaS), and Open Banking. We offer these white label banking and card solutions to regulated and non-regulated entities, issuing both prepaid cards and debit cards on behalf of our clients.

Optimus is a leader in white label solutions, a dynamic, fast-growing, business, and our client base is varied.

To learn more, please visit https://optimuscards.com/

The Opportunity:

Optimus is looking for a Regulatory Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (alternate). In this role you will support and when required, stand in for the Head of Compliance & MLRO in managing AML, regulatory, and compliance initiatives. The role is responsible for designing and implementing compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures while ensuring effective transaction monitoring and financial crime prevention.
Additionally, it involves conducting internal quality assurance, supporting regulatory reporting to Banco de Portugal and other bodies, and providing compliance guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
The position also plays a crucial role in identifying compliance risks, implementing corrective actions, and delivering training across the business. By proactively enhancing compliance processes and monitoring systems, this role ensures the organization meets regulatory obligations while maintaining operational efficiency.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Supporting and standing in for the HOC & MLRO in leading the business on all anti money laundering (AML), compliance and regulatory projects as required.
  
• Supporting the design and implementation of frameworks, policies, procedures, processes, and systems in coordination with HOC & MLRO.
  
• Performing internal quality assurance work for financial crime functions as required.
  
• Supporting the design and review of AML monitoring policies and procedures when necessary.
  
• Supporting the reporting and investigation of possible instances of money laundering, suspicious activity, or fraud.
  
• Providing ongoing and ad-hoc support on compliance queries (both from internal and external stakeholders).
  
• Supporting the effective use of transaction monitoring for AML and fraud prevention purposes.
  
• Assisting with the identification, evaluation, monitoring, and mitigation of operational risks; and proactively suggesting improvements.
  
• Identifying potential areas of compliance vulnerability and developing/implementing pragmatic corrective action plans.
  
• Devising and delivering relevant training to the business and its partners.
  
• Regulatory reporting to the Banco de Portugal and any other relevant regulatory bodies
  
• Developing and delivering training across the business.
  
• Creating and circulating management information.
  
• Other duties and responsibilities as reasonably required or assigned by the line manager.

Required qualifications:

• A university degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Criminology or Business.
  
• Strong knowledge of Portuguese and European AML requirements.
  
• Extensive experience in the practical application of compliance regulations, including the sixth money laundering directive, PSD, and GDPR.
  
• Similar experience in an AML role ideally in a consumer facing EMI, API or banking regulated entity, preferably regulated by the BdP.
  
• Experience working closely with senior business leaders and approaching Compliance with a strategic and commercial mindset.
  
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
  
• Knowledge of card scheme rules is advantageous.
  
• A recognised Compliance and AML qualification is essential.
  
• Fluent written and oral English skills.
  

Bonus if you have:

• Ability to work accurately to tight deadlines in a demanding environment.
  
• Personable, great communicator who has a passion for their work and the people they work with.
  
• Fluency in cryptocurrencies or other digital assets as they are core to our business.
  
• Community talks, certifications, and/or blog posts on your interests and research.
  

What we offer:

• Innovation and Impact: Contribute to pioneering projects in a dynamic and challenging environment.
  
• Competitive Compensation: Stock options, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits on top of a competitive salary.
  
• Strong Company Culture: Thrive in a supportive, collegiate environment with values of integrity, teamwork, accountability, and excellence.
  
• Global Collaboration: Participate in regular updates, strategy sessions, and networking opportunities across the group.
  
• Development Opportunities: Access training and mentorship programs.
  
• Flexibility: Enjoy options to work from home, other locations, or adjust your hours.
  
• Inclusive Environment: Value and respect diverse perspectives.

Benefits:

• Annual bonus program based on individual, team and company performance.
  
• Home office stipend for a productive setup.
  
• Generous PTO, healthcare, and employee assistance programs.
  
• Engaging events and celebrations.
  
• Well-stocked office kitchen with a foodie culture.
  

Join us to grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully. Be part of our talented team!

Visit our careers page for more exciting opportunities, if this role isn’t the perfect fit.

EEOC Employer

We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and we celebrate our employees' differences, including race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, and any other protected classes. Difference makes us stronger and better - together.