Head of Compliance & MLRO - Fintech (KSA)

Cherry Ventures is supporting our portfolio with this hire.

About Pemo

• We’re the fastest-growing fintech in expense management in MENA
• We offer corporate cards and expense management software that help companies save time and money
•  We’re a seed-stage startup backed by leading global investors like Cherry Ventures, Fintech Collective, Speedinvest — and supported by fintech leaders behind Nium and Qonto
• We value independent thinking, ownership, and high trust
• We’re a close-knit team of superachievers redefining B2B payments in the region

IF YOU WANT TO

• 🛡️ Shape the future of fintech compliance at one of the region’s fastest-growing startups.
• 🔍 Be a trusted advisor across the business, building strong regulatory relationships and ensuring airtight integrity and risk controls.
• 🏗️Build the compliance function from the ground up — designing frameworks, choosing the right tools and partners, and educating both the organization and regulators while embedding compliance into the core of an innovative, mission-driven fintech
• 🌍 Influence and implement world-class compliance frameworks that keep us ahead of the curve locally and internationally.
• 🤝 Be part of a driven, and ambitious team redefining the fintech experience for businesses across MENA.

YOU ARE

• ✅ A compliance expert with 5-7 years of hands-on experience in AML, regulatory affairs, or a similar role. 
• 📚 Deeply familiar with UK/EU central bank regulations, with direct experience managing compliance programs in financial services or payments. Knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks is a plus.
• 📈 Analytical and structured in your thinking, with a knack for translating complex regulations into simple, actionable steps.
• 🗣️ A strong communicator, fluent in English with excellent writing and verbal presentation skills.
• 🔄 Adaptable in managing shifting priorities and timelines without compromising on accuracy or diligence.
• 💼 Experienced with RPCS and SVF licensing, and ideally hold ACAMS, CISI, or other relevant certifications.
• 🧠 Strategic yet detail-oriented — just as comfortable designing frameworks as you are deep-diving into audit findings.
• 🌟 Bonus points if you’ve worked in a fintech startup environment or helped a company scale its compliance infrastructure!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 📘 Own and update our compliance frameworks. Continuously review manuals, policies, and processes to reflect changing regulatory needs and best practices.
• 📝 Oversee timely and accurate regulatory filings — monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc — ensuring all obligations are met.
• 🤝 Build strong relationships with regulatory bodies and proactively manage our licenses, returns, and consents.
• 🎓 Deliver engaging training sessions and internal briefings that keep our team aligned and aware of compliance responsibilities.
• 🧩 Continuously evolve our compliance processes to enhance efficiency, risk management, and business alignment.
• 👥 Monitor AML/KYC checks and transaction monitoring systems, ensuring they're robust and in line with applicable laws.
• 🧾 Maintain detailed records of authorized individuals, complaints, breaches, and communications — audit-ready at all times.
• 📊 Conduct periodic compliance audits and board reporting, delivering actionable insights and improvements.
• 🧠 Advise the board and senior leadership on the impact of regulatory changes and help guide our strategy accordingly.
• 🚨 Lead internal investigations and file external suspicious activity reports to the UAE FIU when necessary.

Cherry Ventures is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.