Global MLRO Head of Compliance

About Wallet in Telegram

Wallet in Telegram is a cutting-edge digital asset solution seamlessly integrated into Telegram’s interface. Backed by The Open Platform, Wallet in Telegram has achieved remarkable growth, surpassing 100 million user accounts in 2024. The company's ambitious vision is to extend its innovative solution to all 1 billion+ Telegram users. Wallet in Telegram provides a comprehensive dual-wallet experience, featuring a Crypto Wallet for multi-chain trading and crypto transfers to contacts, and a TON Wallet, a self-custodial option offering access to the TON ecosystem's dApps and tokens.

The Opportunity: Global MLRO Head of Compliance

As the Global MLRO Head of Compliance, you will be instrumental in establishing and scaling a robust, operational compliance function for one of the largest fintech products within the Telegram ecosystem. This is a hands-on, leadership role requiring a deep understanding of modern compliance practices in the crypto and fintech sectors. We seek a leader who views compliance not merely as a control layer, but as an integral part of product development and daily operations. You will be the first professional to assume end-to-end ownership of compliance as an operating model, tasked with revamping existing approaches, modernizing risk frameworks, and translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable processes, effective tooling, and scalable automation solutions. The specific title may be adjusted based on scope and experience to Head of Compliance / Global MLRO or Deputy MLRO / Deputy Head of Compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the complete AML/CTF operating model, encompassing CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, investigations, SAR/STR governance, sanctions screening, and quality and decision control.
• Build and expand a global compliance organization, including developing management layers as the team expands.
• Lead the second line of defense (advisory, governance, quality, decision calibration) and define its synergy with first-line operational teams.
• Critically review and modernize current compliance processes, transitioning from legacy and overly restrictive methodologies.
• Drive compliance automation initiatives by collaborating with Product and Engineering to integrate regulatory mandates into tooling, configurations, workflows, and scalable automated solutions.
• Manage the compliance tooling roadmap, focusing on rules tuning, alert quality, case management, and overall efficiency enhancements.
• Establish and monitor key operational KPIs such as cycle time, quality, false positives, and decision consistency.
• Champion a pragmatic, risk-based compliance approach that effectively balances regulatory expectations, user experience, and operational efficiency.
• Serve as (or develop into) a primary liaison for regulators, auditors, and other external stakeholders.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven expertise in crypto, digital assets, or modern regulated fintech environments.
• Extensive hands-on experience with AML/CTF operations, including transaction monitoring, investigations, EDD/CDD, and SAR/STR workflows.
• Practical knowledge of compliance tooling and automation, specifically rules tuning, case management, and quality frameworks.
• Experience in contributing to or working with AI-driven or data-driven compliance solutions, particularly in improving alert quality, prioritization, and investigation efficiency.
• Solid understanding of crypto-specific risks, including blockchain analytics and sanctions in the cryptocurrency space.
• Prior experience working with or owning second line of defense functions, governance, or quality control.
• Exceptional ability to articulate complex compliance requirements to product and engineering teams effectively.
• Demonstrated pragmatic mindset, prioritizing risk mitigation, efficiency, and tangible outcomes over excessive reporting or unnecessary roadblocks.

Why Join Wallet in Telegram?

• Be part of a business experiencing exponential growth in the fintech sector.
• Work within a non-bureaucratic management structure that values results.
• Benefit from regular performance reviews to support your professional development.
• Enjoy a remote work setup with access to strategic hubs in Dubai, Yerevan, London, and Belgrade.
• Receive compensation for medical expenses and provision of necessary equipment.
• Generous paid time off, including 20 working days of vacation and 11 days off per year.
• 14 days of paid sick leave annually for health and recovery.
• Access to internal conferences, English language courses, and corporate events.

Key skills/competency

• AML/CTF Operations
• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Management
• Fintech/Crypto
• Compliance Automation
• Transaction Monitoring
• SAR/STR Governance
• Blockchain Analytics
• Stakeholder Management
• Leadership