Head of Compliance

Lead end-to-end licensing initiatives across multiple jurisdictions, with an immediate focus on securing regulatory approvals and financial services licences in Singapore, Japan, and the USA to support Hello Clever’s global expansion roadmap Lead the design and implementation of a robust compliance program tailored to the fintech/payments sector Act as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities across all jurisdictions on payment licensing, audits, and compliance inquiries. Ensure adherence to local and cross-border payments regulations, including the Payment Services Act (PSA) in Singapore, FSA and JFSA regulations in Japan, and FinCEN/State-level Money Transmission licensing requirements in the USA, as well as AML/CTF and data protection laws (e.g. PDPA, GDPR, CCPA). Support licensing processes in existing and new markets, including regulatory submissions and stakeholder coordination. Maintain and continuously improve the compliance risk assessment framework, covering payments flow, onboarding, transaction monitoring, and settlement. Design and implement AML/CTF and fraud prevention procedures, particularly for real-time digital payments and instant reward systems. Oversee the deployment of compliance-related technology tools, such as transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and KYB/KYC systems. Leadership & Team Development Build and lead a high-performing compliance team, providing guidance and professional development opportunities. Develop and roll out compliance training across the company, tailored to product, operations, support, and leadership teams. Report on compliance matters to senior management, regional boards, and audit committees. Qualifications Experience: Minimum of 8 years in compliance roles within the financial services or fintech industry, with at least 4 years in a leadership position, preferably with a strong track record in digital payments or fintech startups. Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Finance, or related field; professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, CRCM, ICA) are highly desirable. Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of Singapore (MAS/PSA), Japan (FSA/JFSA), and US (FinCEN/state-level MTL) regulatory environments, including AML/CTF, data protection (PDPA, GDPR, CCPA), and cross-border licensing frameworks. Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and influence organisational culture. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with regulators and internal stakeholders. Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail. High-Growth Fintech: Be part of a company leading the future of real-time payments and loyalty solutions. Global impact — We’re live in 16+ markets and growing fast. Category-defining product — Real-time payments, instant cashback, AI-powered merchant tools. Mission-driven — We’re here to make money smarter, fairer and faster for everyone. Dynamic Culture: Join a passionate, results-driven team that values innovation and collaboration. About Us Join a Fintech That's Redefining Payments and Rewards At Hello Clever, we're transforming the way people and businesses move money - fast, securely, and with instant rewards. As we continue to scale globally, we are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Compliance to lead and scale our global compliance function. This role is pivotal in ensuring our operations remain compliant with all relevant financial services and payments regulations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about fintech innovation, familiar with cross-border payment frameworks, and skilled at working with regulators across Japan, Singapore and the USA. How to Apply We like to keep things simple, but we also want to make sure this is the right fit for both of us. Here’s what to expect: Virtual Chat – A casual video call to get to know you, your experience, and what makes you tick. Meet the Team – An in-person catch-up at our office to see if we vibe and chat about how you’d make this role your own. Show Us Your Thinking – A short presentation where you’ll bring some ideas to life (nothing scary, we promise). Sound like you? Let’s talk. Drop us a note at