About our client
Our client is a fast-growing, internationally regulated crypto on- and off-ramp provider. It is registered as a virtual asset service provider with AUSTRAC in Australia, and holds registrations with regulators in Canada and the US. It serves EU/EEA customers through a locally authorised CASP in Europe. The head office and management team are based in Europe.
Its regulated product allows end users to buy and sell crypto directly, and allows leading third-party partners, including well-known wallets and prediction market platforms, to integrate its on-ramp/off-ramp widget for their own customers.
Why our client is hiring
Our client is growing, including through acquisition, and has applied for an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). A licence brings significantly greater ongoing obligations, so the business is building a permanent compliance function in Australia, funded directly by the company.
Compliance is currently covered by a fractional resource, which means crypto-specific questions often go to external advisers. This hire will close that gap and reduce reliance on outside advice.
The role
This is the hands-on compliance owner for Australia, working directly with management in Europe. The successful candidate will own the Australian framework through the AFSL assessment and into licensed operations. They will know when external legal help is genuinely needed, but will act independently the vast majority of the time, backed by a deep understanding of Australian and ASIC AML laws and frameworks.
Key responsibilities
AFSL: Support ASIC responses during the assessment, then own ongoing Corporations Act obligations, including the compliance plan, breach register and reporting, responsible managers and staff training where applicable (AML Analyst and Fincrime Operations Manager training as it pertains to Australian compliance, which is limited and will not be the majority of the role).
AML/CTF: Own and adjust the program (CDD, transaction monitoring, suspicious matter reporting, Travel Rule, sanctions screening), act as the main AUSTRAC contact, keep across reforms and personally file SMR submissions.
Crypto and product: Assess new coins, networks, payment methods, partners and features against Australian regulation, manage wallet screening, chain analytics and stablecoin risks, and advise product and operations teams day to day.
Consumer protection: Oversee Australian Consumer Law and ASIC Act compliance, the Financial Services Guide, design and distribution obligations, IDR and AFCA membership, and marketing and fee claims.
Privacy and resilience: Support Privacy Act compliance, notifiable data breaches, vendor due diligence and scam and fraud prevention.
Governance: Report regularly to head office in Europe, align with the group framework, coordinate audits and monitor regulatory change.
The ideal candidate
Essential
Proven compliance experience in Australian financial services, ideally with an AFSL holder or AUSTRAC-regulated business.
Strong working knowledge of the Corporations Act, ASIC Act, AML/CTF Act and AUSTRAC requirements.
A genuine understanding of crypto (blockchains, wallets, stablecoins, exchanges, on/off-ramps) and the risks that come with them.
Sound judgement to resolve matters independently, the ability to turn regulation into practical processes, and clear communication across time zones.
Desirable
Experience at a crypto exchange, crypto on/off-ramp, payments business or fintech, or on an AFSL application.
Ability to be put forward as a responsible manager, subject to ASIC’s fit and proper requirements.
Multi-jurisdiction exposure (EU/MiCA, Canada, US).
Experience with transaction monitoring and blockchain analytics tools.