Head of Intelligence and Investigations - New York

Since being founded in 2018, Copper has been building the standard for institutional digital asset infrastructure with a focus on custody, collateral management, and prime services.

Led by Amar Kuchinad, Copper's Global CEO, the firm provides a comprehensive suite of custody, trading and settlement solutions that reduce counterparty risk and bring greater capital and operational efficiency to digital asset markets. At the heart of Copper's offering is Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology – the gold standard in secure custody. Copper’s multi-award winning custody system is unique in that it can be connected to centralised exchanges, DeFi applications and even staking pools without the assets leaving the custody.

Built on top of this state-of-the-art custody, ClearLoop is the first solution in the market that overcomes a growing industry challenge; counterparty risk with exchanges. This solution underpins a full prime services offering, connecting global exchanges, and enabling customers to trade and settle directly from the safety of their MPC-secured wallets. By reducing settlement time for transfers to a few milliseconds (without blockchain network dependency) and offering enhanced security measures, ClearLoop is rapidly reshaping the way asset managers trade and manage capital.

In addition to industry-leading security certifications, Copper has one of the strongest insurance coverages in the industry from an A+ rated insurer, positioning the firm as the partner of choice for institutions seeking to safeguard their assets.

Department Purpose: 

The Compliance team is a collaborative and high energy group of smart, driven and intellectually curious professionals. We take our work but not ourselves incredibly seriously, tackling novel issues and supporting the business with focus, precision, and relentless good humour.

We know and support each other deeply as professionals and humans. We proudly hold a range of passports and qualifications and speak many languages between us - diversity on all levels is deeply valued.

Role Purpose: 

The Head of Intelligence and Investigations is a Copper Group wide role with responsibility for several key preventative, detective and corrective control areas.

The role holder will manage second-line financial crime investigations. Lead the transaction monitoring (TM) strategy, build and maintain the TM framework, enhance detection models and oversee control efficiency.

In addition to transaction monitoring responsible of anti-bribery & corruption (ABC) policies and procedures including in relation to gifts and entertainment (G&E) approvals across the Group.

Oversee internal fraud management which is a combination of preventive, detective and corrective controls spanning a number of first- and second-line functions. This includes responsibility for the internal whistleblowing process and investigation of whistleblowing complaints.

In this role, you will work closely with the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and the various approved officers of the regulated entities. You will lead investigations into suspected wrongdoing by clients, including investigations required by regulators and supervisory bodies. Where applicable the role holder will work with the Head of HR on internal investigation procedures.

The role holder will provide support to the implementation of the broader financial crime controls and contribute to the enhancement of other key compliance functions as needed.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Lead the Compliance operations team (internal and external), providing strategic oversight and technical expertise on AML risk detection and mitigation.
• Lead the anti-bribery and corruption frameworks. Also, oversee the fraud control frameworks. Work with key stakeholders across the Copper group. Implement and test effective processes that can prevent, detect, and correct issues.
• Manage the whistleblowing hot-line and the triage of reports, escalating to the assessment panel (Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer).
• Oversee 2LOD (FIU and complex investigations), ensuring an effective end-to-end transaction monitoring process with seamless escalation and resolution of financial crime risks.
• Act as the Group nominated officer and escalation point for internal Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Suspicion Transaction Reports (STRs)
• Design and maintain the frameworks for transaction monitoring and travel rule compliance. Continuously improve these frameworks with annual tuning and assessments. Focus on aspects above and below the line. Make sure the approach is risk-based and scalable.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and regional MLROs on internal audits, external regulatory reviews and global license application processes.
• Work closely with the Product and Engineering teams. Develop, refine, and optimize all intelligence and investigative systems to suit new product and regulatory initiatives. Make sure these systems are effective and calibrated. They should also be scalable and aligned with emerging risks and business growth.
• Leverage data analytics and emerging technologies to enhance detection capabilities and improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with global AML regulations by aligning all applicable intelligence and Investigative policies and processes with industry best practices.
• Provide subject matter expertise on AML risks from an intelligence and investigative perspective to internal stakeholders, supporting risk assessments, audits and regulatory engagements.
• Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends to ensure initiative-taking compliance with evolving AML expectations.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation.
• Oversee reporting of key performance & risk (KPI & KRI) metrics, ensuring senior management are presented with precision and usable data.
• Liaise with external vendors and technology providers while maintaining strong relationships with existing partners

Skills and Experience: 

Essential  

• Extensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks with expertise in transaction monitoring of both fiat and digital assets.
• Experience of configuring transaction monitoring rule engine requirements in line with Group risk interest statements.
• Direct experience in conducting investigations across a range of risk and criminal typologies.
• Proficient knowledge of intelligence management. You will also need to understand how to create opportunities for 'target hardening.' This can be done through initiative-taking activities and by learning from organizational and operational experiences.
• Knowledge of industry travel rule compliance requirements and solutions.
• Experience with digital assets is essential.
• Proven experience in the provision of compliance investigations and/or intelligence management for blockchain-based assets and associated tooling. Additional experience in traditional banking, finance or similar business is an advantage.
• You should be able to understand legal and regulatory issues. You will advise the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and business stakeholders on these issues. You must also evaluate complex financing transactions with a view to advising on information barriers, suitability, and cross-border risks.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to make decisions that identify and consider risks specific to a growing business.
• Ability to make, support and defend difficult and complex regulatory and/or compliance decisions in a dynamic environment.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience gained from applicable financial services company. Must be capable to work proficiently within a fast-growth technology environment.
• Experience of working with technology solutions and compliance tools to deliver regulatory oversight, reporting and outcome.
• Calm professional attitude and a team player.

Desirable  

• Experience with custody, collateral management, derivatives and lending would be helpful

Why Copper?  

At Copper, we keep innovation, openness, and curiosity at the centre of everything we do. Here, bold ideas get the spotlight, learning is constant, and diversity shapes our team from the ground up.

Jump into a fast-moving, dynamic team that loves a challenge and knows how to have fun along the way. Collaboration is just as important as results—you’ll be surrounded by smart, driven colleagues in London and across our APAC, Switzerland, UAE, and US offices.

Hybrid working model – we believe in the value of bringing people together and at the same time we embrace the adaptability of flexibly working.

Diversity and inclusion matter to us – they’re woven into Copper life. From employee-led groups like Women at Copper to a committee focused on community and wellbeing, you’ll have a network that supports you from day one. Everyone voice matters.

If you’re looking to ramp up your career, or keen to do something new in your field, with us, you’ll keep moving forward.

Ready to make your mark, keep growing, and join a supportive, dynamic team? Copper’s the place. 

The interview process at Copper  

Our interview process is designed to be thoughtful, efficient, and engaging. While specific steps may vary slightly depending on the role, the typical journey includes:

1. Initial Screening A brief conversation with our Talent Acquisition team to explore your background, motivations, and alignment with the role.
2. Technical Interview A virtual session conducted via Microsoft Teams, where you'll engage with team members to discuss relevant skills, problem-solving approaches, and technical experience.
3. In-Person Interview A conversation focused on team dynamics, collaboration style, and any final technical questions. This may be with cross-functional peers or leadership.

Additional steps may be added based on the role's complexity or seniority. We aim to keep the process transparent and respectful of your time.

Salary

Below, we’ve outlined the base salary range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including experience and performance. The range listed is just one part of Copper’s total compensation package.

Base Salary Range – $180,000- $210,000

Benefits 

In return for everything you can bring to Copper, we can offer you an exciting, challenging role in a fast-growing and dynamic business, with career opportunities and welcoming working environment. Some of our key US benefits are highlighted below: 

1. Paid Time Off – 25 days annual leave per annum in addition to local bank holidays. Employees also receive one additional day of annual leave for each year of service.
2. Comprehensive health cover - medical, optical and dental benefits.
3. Life Insurance
4. Commuter Benefit Programme

If you think you have everything we're looking for and more, then we'd love you to apply for the opportunity. 

Copper is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunities in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. So, bring us your experience, perspectives, and skills. It is in our differences that we will continue to grow and ensure Copper is transforming how institutional investors engage with digital assets. Copper is a Disability Confident Employer, please let us know if you have a disability. If you require us to provide any assistance during the recruitment process, then we would ask you to highlight this to us and we will be happy to accommodate.