At Verto, we’re passionate about helping businesses in Emerging markets reach the world. What first started life as a FX solution for trading Nigerian Naira has now become a market-leading platform, changing the way thousands of businesses transfer money in and out of Emerging Markets.
We’re on a mission to change this by creating equal access to easy payment and liquidity solutions that are already a given in developed markets. Backed by world-class investors and recognised for our innovation — including winning the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, receiving the B2B Payments Innovation Award at the 2025 FinTech Breakthrough Awards, and being named ‘Fintech Start-Up of the Year’ at the Fintech Awards London 2022 — we are growing rapidly, processing billions of dollars annually.
We are seeking a seasoned and strategic compliance leader to act as our designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) in Hong Kong. This pivotal role is ideal for a driven professional who is excited to build and oversee a robust compliance framework, ensuring our operations adhere to the highest standards of regulatory compliance within the dynamic B2B cross-border payments sector.
In this role, you will be empowered to achieve key milestones, such as establishing and enhancing the firm’s AML/CTF program under the Hong Kong MSO license, while ensuring the seamless alignment of local requirements with our global compliance strategy. You will play a crucial role in steering the company through the complexities of Hong Kong's regulatory landscape, leveraging your deep expertise to develop and implement comprehensive and effective risk-based controls.
Responsibilities
Overall Compliance and Regulatory Adherence:
Serve as the designated MLRO for the firm, ensuring full compliance with Hong Kong’s regulatory requirements under the Customs and Excise Department’s MSO licensing regime.
Oversee the organisation’s adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Couner-Terroism Financing (CTF) regulations, by implementing necessary policies and procedures.
Collaborate with the Verto Group compliance function to align and implement policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with local Hong Kong MSO regulations and statutory requirements.
Policy Development, Implementation and Risk Management:
Develop , implement and maintain comprehensive AML/CTF policies, procedures, and controls, specifically tailored to B2B cross border payments and aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Conduct regular risk assessments and compliance reviews to identify and evaluate potential money laundering and terrorist financing risks, pinpoint gaps and recommend improvements.
Suspicious Activity Monitoring and Reporting:
Establish and maintain an effective system for identifying, monitoring, and reporting suspicious transactions or activities.
Investigate and analyse suspicious transactions or activities, assessing their potential impact on AML/CTF compliance.
Prepare and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the relevant authorities in accordance with our regulatory obligations.
Regulatory Engagement and Reporting:
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies regarding AML/CTF matters, including the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU).
Oversee the preparation and submission of periodic compliance reports and transaction statements, including AML/CTF compliance reports to senior management and regulatory authorities as required.
Compliance Operations and Monitoring
Oversee the compliance operations for the Hong Kong entity encompassing critical functions such as customer onboarding, due diligence review, transactions monitoring, sanctions screening, vendor reviews, regulatory reporting procedures.
Establish and maintain a robust compliance monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of AML/CTF controls and procedures.
Training and Internal Collaboration:
Provide training to staff on AML/CFT obligations and best practices, developing and delivering comprehensive AML/CTF training programs across all employees to ensure a high level of awareness and understanding.
Requirements
Proven experience as an MLRO or Compliance Officer within an MSO-licensed firm in Hong Kong.
In-depth knowledge of AML/CFT regulations, especially as they apply cross border payments.
Familiarity with the regulatory framework governing cross-border payments in Hong Kong.
Prior experience working with Hong Kong based financial institutions
Fluency in English and Cantonese; Mandarin is a plus.
Degree holder or above in Law, Risk Management, Finance or related field with 10+ years' experience in a regulatory compliance role within a Banking/Finance, Payments, Fintech, or other relevant industry
Solid experience managing relationships with different regulatory authorities, with a keen understanding of their concerns and requirements.
