Compliance Leader

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance programs aligned with regional and international regulations such as AML/CFT, KYC, and sanctions.
• Conduct research on e-commerce and plan necessary adaptations.
• Develop and maintain compliance control processes and risk assessment matrices.
• Identify non-compliance issues and propose solutions to mitigate risks.
• Participate in updating business processes to address gaps and evolving needs.
• Monitor organizational process and policy changes to ensure regulatory compliance (OFAC, UN, EU, MASAK, etc.).
• Support evaluation of regulatory impacts on products, services, and processes, providing guidance to business units.
• Perform KYC reviews, onboarding assessments, and ongoing due diligence for partners.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date KYC records and investigate high-risk profiles.
• Conduct regular and ad-hoc reporting to stakeholders and legal authorities.
• Analyze data to identify compliance risks and automate manual processes to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine compliance strategies based on market dynamics.
• Report compliance metrics to the Management Board and define KPIs aligned with TGO’s Risk Appetite.
• Oversee compliance programs covering screening (sanctions, PEP), customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, AML training, fraud prevention, and ethics.
• Maintain updated AML and sanctions policies and manage regulatory reporting obligations.
• Escalate significant risks to the Management Board and provide updates on trends.
• Conduct risk assessments for new and existing products in the Turkish market.
• Maintain strong relationships with local compliance stakeholders.
• Research upcoming regulatory changes and plan accordingly.
• Relevant regulations to be familiar with:
• Law No. 5549 on Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime
• Reporting procedures to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK)
• Regulation on Measures Regarding Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime
• MASAK Guidelines
• Turkish Commercial Code (TCC)
• Banking Law No. 5411
• Legislation on Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (7262)

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a financial crime-related function within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong understanding of compliance laws and regulations applicable in Turkey and internationally, including those related to money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing (e.g., MASAK regulations).
• Demonstrable experience in sanctions compliance and advising on related topics.
• Prior experience filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
• Experience working in or alongside first and second lines of defense, product, and engineering teams to implement risk and compliance-related initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex ideas and regulatory requirements to various stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, under pressure, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical mindset with a high attention to detail.
• Proven ability to adopt a risk-based approach to compliance challenges.
• Strong change management skills, comfortable navigating shifting priorities and regulatory landscapes.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Compliance Officer License (Uyum Görevlisi Lisansı) or a clear plan to obtain it within a defined timeline.
• Professional certifications such as CTMA, CAMS, CGSS, or CCAS.
• Experience working in law, risk management, or another financial crime compliance-related field.
• Experience in fintech or e-commerce industries.
• Exposure to regulatory bodies such as the Central Bank of Turkey (TCMB), Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK), and Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).
• Working knowledge of SQL.
• Experience with risk management frameworks.
• Management experience and ability to lead a growing team.