Head of Risk and Compliance - ODS

Open Digital Services is the software development company of Santander Group powering the next generation of banks by creating innovative banking products and implementing them in collaboration with Santander Group Affiliates.    

Santander Group is one of the world's largest financial institutions and the Eurozone's leader, we're committed to being the best Digital Bank with Branches in the industry.        

 Our mission at ODS is to design and support an advanced digital and omnichannel platform, ensuring the best customer experience using cutting-edge technology. Openbank, our flagship partner, is where we develop our most advanced concepts first. Be part of our Best-in-Class  team and help us create unique value for our customers!     

Join us to tackle exciting tech challenges in an agile environment, benefiting from learning, growth, and local and international career opportunities in a modern, diverse setting. 

Mission  

As Head of Risk & Compliance, you will be responsible for designing and executing the company’s enterprise risk management and compliance frameworks. This includes building and leading a high-performing team, maintaining regulatory relationships, ensuring internal processes meet global financial regulations and proactively managing operational, financial, and reputational risks. 

This role is critical to maintaining trust with our customers, regulators, partners, and stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities 

Risk Management 

• Develop and implement the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework, covering operational, credit, financial, and technology risks. 
• Lead risk assessments across the business to identify, assess, and mitigate current and emerging risks. 
• Establish risk appetite and tolerance levels in coordination with the executive team and board. 
• Monitor incidents, losses, and near misses; ensure root cause analysis and remediation. 
• Design and monitor key risk and control indicators (KRI & KCI)
• Review and follow action plans for risk mitigation
• Support in the preparation of management reports and identification of relevant insights
• Support product and engineering teams with risk evaluation during feature development or market expansion. 

Compliance & Regulatory Affairs 

• Design and oversee the company’s compliance framework, policies, and internal controls. 
• Ensure ongoing compliance with financial regulations (e.g., consumer protection, data privacy) and guarantee appropriate corrective actions are taken in response to identified deficiencies.
• Own regulatory engagements, license applications, and audits across jurisdictions. 
• Develop training programs to maintain a strong compliance culture throughout the company. 
• Keep abreast of changes in the regulatory landscape and advise on the implications for our business, ensuring that the bank’s policies and procedures are kept up to date with evolving regulatory requirements and best practices.

Governance & Reporting 

• Prepare and present risk and compliance reports to senior leadership and the Board. 
• Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of findings. 
• Collaborate with other control functions (e.g., Internal Audit, Legal) to ensure coordinated approach to risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Establish and manage whistleblowing and incident reporting mechanisms. 

What We’re Looking For 

• 12+ years of experience in risk, compliance, legal, or audit roles in fintech, digital banking, or financial services. 
• Strong understanding of European financial regulation (e.g., EBA Guidelines, KRIs, RCSA, BCP, Audit, Policies), with global exposure a plus. 
• Proven leadership experience in a high-growth or regulated tech environment. 
• Experience engaging with regulators and financial authorities. 
• Track record of building scalable frameworks and leading cross-functional risk or compliance initiatives. 
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, business-enabling mindset. 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Law, Finance, Risk Management, or related field. 
• Professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA, CRCM, CFA, FRM). 
• Experience with digital wallets, embedded finance, or BaaS (Banking-as-a-Service) models. 
• Prior work in a regulated institution or licensed financial entity (e.g., e-money institution, digital bank). 

What do we offer? 

• Immediate incorporation to a dynamic and agile company with a growth and expansion project. 
• Working in start-up mode with the support of Grupo Santander. 
• Competitive remuneration and attractive benefits package. 
• Possibility of growth within the company and the Group. 
• Collaboration in international projects and possibility of contact with different countries. 

Would you like to grow with us? Join our team! 

ODS is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered as equal without paying attention to gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, political orientation, union membership nor disability status.  

We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We value your passion to discover, invent, simplify, and build. 

The personal data you provide as well as any data generated during the selection process are confidential and will be processed by Open Bank, S.A./ Open Digital Services, S.L. with registered office at Plaza de Santa Bárbara 2, 28004 (Madrid), for the sole purpose of managing your participation in the selection processes and, where appropriate, to formalise your recruitment.   

For further information about your rights and data protection, please read the ODS/Openbank Privacy Policy applicable to this type of data processing here