Designated Compliance Officer (Canada)

LemFi (YC S21) is building the neo-bank for the African diaspora in North America & Europe & the UK. We provide our users with a multi-currency account that allows them to hold, send, and receive money from Africa in any currency for their business and personal banking needs.

Who you are:

You are a candidate who would thrive in a fintech startup environment like ours, where we readily accept individuals with a humble, yet uplifting attitude alongside a diligent sense of work ethic. The teams here at LemFi are passionate about their work and expertise, but also lend hands on cross-functional responsibilities to ensure the success of the company and the satisfaction of our clientele.

Job Summary:

The role of the Designated Compliance Officer, Canada, is a fully remote position within LemFi’s Compliance team. In this role, you should have a demonstrated advanced knowledge of the AML/CTF compliance program requirements as set forth by FINTRAC in Canada. Additionally, you should have standard knowledge of global AML/CFT compliance program requirements and best practices with, at minimum, 5 years in a senior or management compliance role.

As LemFi’s senior and designated Compliance Officer in Canada, this role will be responsible for the company’s compliance with all AML and compliance-related requirements under the laws of Canada. The ideal candidate should have advanced experience with regulatory registration and licensing requirements, including drafting and procuring the necessary compliance documentation to help LemFi stay compliant with Canada AML regulations. Additionally, the ideal candidate should have general knowledge of the RPAA and possess the capability to bring LemFi into compliance with the regulation.

Responsibilities are as follows:

• Ensure LemFi’s products and services fit the regulatory landscape;
• Spearhead the effort in maintaining or obtaining the necessary regulatory registrations or licences, including conducting research for strategic compliance purposes;
• Serve as the company’s leading AML regulatory expert in Canada;
• Become the RPAA expert for LemFi in Canada. Develop and maintain the RPAA program and champion the implementation of its requirements;
• Oversee the implementation of new regulatory requirements as they arise;
• Serve as the liaison to national regulators or law enforcement authorities;
• Maintain the relationships with Canadian banking or payments partners and ensure cooperation with any partner obligations including, but not limited to, periodic filings and reports as required by a partner;
• Maintain the Canada AML compliance program, and ensure its alignment with LemFi’s global AML policy and existing enterprise operations;
• Develop and maintain the regional AML risk assessment to identify key risk indicators, and assist LemFi in preparing for and mitigating these risks;
• Contribute to MIS reports for the Senior Executive team, regular updates to the Board of Directors, and any other crucial ad-hoc updates or guidance to these parties;
• Maintain responsibility for the submission and oversight of any relevant regulatory reports/ad hoc filings, transaction reporting, unusual activity reports (UARs), STR filings, and any other reports, EFTOs/EFTIs, or filings needing submission to the relevant authorities or partners in Canada;
• Spearhead and manage regulatory or independent AML audits in Canada;
• Ensure compliance policies, procedures, trainings, and other relevant documentation align with regional AML requirements;
• Manage and guide compliance staff, particularly those assigned with Canada-related compliance responsibilities;
• Engage in cross-functional responsibilities and assist the Chief Compliance Officer where needed.

Requirements:

• Advanced education degree is preferred but not required;
• 7-9 years’ experience in a senior or management compliance role at a fintech or financial institution;
• Experience with mentoring, training and managing compliance staff and driving forward operational improvements;
• Direct experience and familiarity with regulatory communications and licensing/registration efforts with a local national regulatory authority;
• Comprehensive knowledge of Canadian regulatory environments, developments, and registration requirements;
• Excellent analytical, research, verbal and written communication skills;
• Adaptability to global operational needs and ability to work in a rapidly changing business and regulatory environment.
• Ability to thrive as part of a team and be an empowering, constructive and considerate colleague;
• Data and analytical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to perform data analysis;
• Ability to learn new technologies and systems;
• CAMS certification (or equivalent) is a plus;
• Proficiency in a foreign language is a plus.