Head of FinCrime Compliance

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world's money.

Min fees. Max ease. Full speed.

Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money.

As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money.

For everyone, everywhere.

More about our mission and what we offer.

Wise Assets Europe AS is looking for an experienced and proactive Head of FinCrime / MLRO to provide Financial Crime Oversight, within the MLRO function.

This role is a permanent position, based out of our new Tallinn office location. 

This role entails working in a small but highly effective team in second line compliance and being responsible for leading the firm's financial crime compliance framework, ensuring robust adherence to Estonian and EU regulations. 

This senior role requires effective management of local responsibilities, while overseeing functions outsourced to our Group-level entities, acting as the key point of contact for the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit (EFIU) and the Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority (EFSA) in financial crime topics.

Duties;

• Act as the registered MLRO, serving as the primary liaison for the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit (EFIU) and the Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority (EFSA).

• Lead FinCrime Governance, advising the Management and Supervisory Boards on risks, control effectiveness, and resource adequacy through clear, comprehensive reporting.

• Own and enhance the local AML/CTF framework, including all firm-specific policies, the Financial Crime Risk Assessment (FCRA), and internal controls.

• Manage high-risk case escalations, including the approval of PEPs and other high-risk customers, providing expert guidance on Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).

• Direct the SAR process, ensuring timely and high-quality reporting to the EFIU.

• Oversee centralised Group FinCrime functions (e.g., KYC, Sanctions Screening, Monitoring) to ensure they comply with Estonian regulations and agreed SLAs.

• Conduct regulatory analysis and horizon scanning for Estonia/EU, assess the impact of changes, advise product teams and drive the implementation of required updates.

• Lead and develop the firm's FinCrime Compliance team.

A bit about you;

• Expert knowledge of Estonian (Estonian AML Act and International Sanctions Act) and EU AML/CFT laws and regulations.

• Strong understanding of international sanctions regimes.

• University degree in Law, Finance, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., ACAMS, ICA) is a plus.

• Proven experience in a senior financial crime prevention role within the financial services sector.

• Experience as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO, with direct experience liaising with regulatory authorities (preferably EFSA and EFIU).

• Track record of developing and managing AML frameworks, writing policies, and reviewing risk assessments.

• Hands-on experience managing high-risk customer approvals (PEPs), EDD processes, and SAR filings.

• Demonstrable experience overseeing outsourced or centralized compliance functions within a group structure.

• Excellent leadership and senior stakeholder management skills.

• Languages: Fluency in Estonian and English is essential.

• Location: Tallinn. You're located and legally authorised to work in Estonia.

Salary range - €4900 to €6700 + RSU's

Hybrid model - 3 days on site and 2 from home

Working hours - 9am to 6pm 

Location: Kopli tn 68a, 10412 Tallinn

For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders  — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences.

Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.

If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs.

Keep up to date with life at Wise by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.