About The Role:

We are seeking a seasoned, Canada-based Canada Compliance Officer to lead and strengthen our Canadian AML/ATF program and broader financial crime compliance framework. This is a high-visibility role at the core of our operations and growth strategy, reporting directly to the Head of Compliance, North America, with regular engagement with Senior Management and the Board.

You will serve as a key senior leader in the compliance function with delegated responsibility for second-line oversight of our compliance and financial crime framework. This critical role requires a blend of deep regulatory expertise, leadership, and pragmatic problem-solving to stay ahead in an evolving payments landscape. You will collaborate closely with senior leadership, the Board, regulators, and internal stakeholders, balancing regulatory requirements with commercial realities to drive sustainable growth.

You will conduct objective, independent risk assessments and provide credible challenge to ensure ongoing compliance with Canadian AML/ATF and other applicable regulatory obligations, as well as internal policies and standards.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities):

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Canadian AML and counter-terrorist financing compliance and risk management program in accordance with the PCMLTFA, its Regulations, and FINTRAC guidance.

• Conduct and oversee periodic, objective, and independent AML/ATF risk assessments (enterprise-wide, product, channel, geographic, customer, and delivery mechanism), ensuring risks are documented, mitigated, and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

• Review, enhance, and maintain criteria and structure to appropriately risk-rank clients (consumers and legal entities) and establish a robust framework for periodic and event-driven review of high-risk clients.

• Maintain and enhance AML/ATF policies, procedures, controls, and governance documentation; regularly review and update documents, and maintain complete records of updates, approvals, and version control.

• Ensure all employees, agents (as applicable), and other relevant parties receive appropriate AML/ATF training at least annually, tailored to role and risk exposure.

• Report to Senior Management and the Board (as applicable) on the status and effectiveness of the AML/ATF program, including findings from AML Compliance Effectiveness Reviews and regulatory examinations (including delivery of required reporting within prescribed timeframes).

• Oversee AML Compliance Effectiveness Reviews, ensuring reviewers have sufficient knowledge of Canadian AML/ATF requirements and the business model, and drive timely, sustainable remediation of findings.

• Maintain complete, accurate, and regulator-ready records across program governance, training, risk assessments, monitoring, and reporting.

• Maintain up-to-date registration and licensing/good standing with FINTRAC, AMF/Revenue Québec (as applicable), and any other relevant Canadian authorities; manage renewals and changes promptly.

• Lead regulatory engagement and correspondence with FINTRAC, AMF/Revenue Québec, the Bank of Canada (RPAA), and other applicable regulators; coordinate responses to requests, examinations, and follow-ups.

• Oversee the accurate and timely filing of all required regulatory reports, including STRs, LCTRs, EFTs, terrorist property reports (as applicable), and other statutory filings/notifications relevant to the business model.

• Monitor regulatory developments (e.g., PCMLTFA, FINTRAC guidance, RPAA requirements, Québec obligations) and ensure timely program updates and enhancements.

• Support and lead exam preparation, audits, and supervisory reviews; manage remediation plans, issue tracking, and evidence management to closure.

• Lead and support RPAA readiness and ongoing compliance program enhancements, including initiation/maintenance of registration with the Bank of Canada and supporting governance and controls expectations.

• Oversee Canadian sanctions compliance and related obligations, including screening governance, escalation, listed person/entity (terrorist and sanctioned) property reporting (as applicable), PCMLTFA Ministerial Directive compliance (as applicable), and ongoing control enhancements.

• Review new products, services, partnerships, and market expansions from a compliance standpoint and amend policies, procedures, and controls accordingly (including change management).

• Lead third-party compliance due diligence and manage compliance due diligence processes conducted by external parties; ensure identified risks are remediated and monitored.

What You'll Need To Be Successful In This Role:

• Fluency in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills; French and/or Spanish is a strong plus.

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in a related field (or equivalent experience).

• CAMS certification (or equivalent AML/financial crime professional qualification).

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in AML/Compliance roles within relevant industries, including FinTechs, PSPs, MSBs (money transmitters preferred), B2B global payment platforms, card networks (card schemes), banks, and credit unions; with demonstrated senior-level scope and accountability.

• Proven expertise administering PCMLTFA-compliant AML/ATF compliance regimes, including risk assessment, governance, training, independent testing/effectiveness reviews, and recordkeeping.

• Demonstrated experience leading or overseeing Canadian compliance officers’ teams and managing cross-functional stakeholder engagement.

• Strong experience preparing for and managing regulatory examinations and audits (including FINTRAC and Québec/AMF/Revenue Québec obligations as applicable) and responding effectively to findings.

• Proven knowledge of Canadian MSB registration/licensing regimes, including FINTRAC registration/renewals and Québec-specific requirements where relevant.

• Hands-on experience with regulatory reporting obligations (e.g., STRs, LCTRs, EFTs) and related internal controls and quality assurance.

• Experience enhancing programs/controls to meet RPAA requirements, including supporting registration and maintaining good standing with the Bank of Canada.

• Strong working knowledge of sanctions compliance expectations applicable in Canada and terrorist property reporting obligations (as applicable to the business model).

• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and deliver in a fast-paced environment.

• Diplomatic and collaborative, with strong cultural awareness and proven ability to build effective internal and external relationships.
  

Why Join Paysend?

• Make a Global Impact: Directly impact millions of users worldwide

• Accelerate Your Career: Benefit from internal mobility, mentoring programs, and continuous learning opportunities

• Thrive in a Connected, Global Organization: Collaborate with colleagues across our international hubs and more

• Embrace a Principle-Driven & Focused Culture: Work in an organization guided by strong principles and values that actually help you achieve more than you thought possible

• Enjoy Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Receive a competitive salary, benefits, and flexible work arrangements