Head of UK Compliance

Ant International powers the future of global commerce with digital innovation for everyone and every business to thrive. In close collaboration with partners, we support merchants of all sizes worldwide to realize their growth aspirations through a comprehensive range of tech-driven digital payment and financial services solutions.

Ant International strives to become the most trusted digital services connector to achieve sustainable growth of global commerce.

With a focus on Travel, Trade, Technology, and Talent, Ant International is committed to enhancing the digital mindset and capacities of businesses worldwide. Through fostering collaborative efforts with partners, we are driving responsible innovation and increasing market accessibility for global SMEs.

We do so across our 4 key businesses: Alipay+, Antom, WorldFirst, and ANEXT Bank.

Based in London, this individual will be part of a growing and dynamic EMEA Compliance team supporting World First/Ant International business.

The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented, hard-working, confident self-starter & team leader with strong interpersonal, management, and organizational skills, experienced in regulatory compliance in the payments or financial services industry, and with demonstrable ability to effectively and proactively engage and partner with the business in a fast-paced and engaging environment.

The person for this position will work closely with other stakeholders, including legal, risk management functions, AML professionals, business, and operations teams of World First and Ant International.

The position holder is the focal point within the World First business and other Ant International business units for the oversight of all activities relating to the management of regulatory compliance and providing support and guidance to the Board and senior management to ensure that the regulatory compliance risks are adequately managed.

• Providing assurance to the senior management that regulatory compliance risks are managed effectively within the licensed entities in the UK;
• Providing pragmatic regulatory advice and support to all businesses and functions to support the development and growth of the e-money and payment activities;
• Formulating and reviewing policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and group policies;
• Engaging and maintaining a strong relationship with regulatory authorities and handling all related enquiries (e.g., regulatory inspections);
• Identifying regulatory compliance risks, escalating potential regulatory and policy breaches, and conduct issues to senior management;
• Conducting internal compliance training from time to time;
• Monitoring local regulatory and law changes and ensuring that all relevant parties and persons are advised and in full compliance with these requirements;
• Carrying out risk assessments on products and services offered in the UK market;
• Supporting key regulatory projects of the EMEA Compliance team.

• At least 10 years of relevant compliance, regulatory, or similar experience and preferably five years in a management role.
• Strong regulatory compliance experience and demonstrable skills in payments services compliance, regional regulatory management.
• Knowledgeable in fintech, payment systems, or similar legal and regulatory requirements in the UK.
• A team leader with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with multiple teams located in different jurisdictions and under strict deadlines.
• Excellent project management skills and sound judgement.
• Self-starter with a good attitude. Resourceful, adaptable, and flexible in a highly engaging, demanding, and rewarding environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in English required. Mandarin Chinese desirable but not a pre-requisite.
• Experience with e-commerce, payments, MSB, or financial services preferred.
• Bachelor or Advanced degree in Legal, or equivalent work or compliance and legal experience preferred.