Job Description
Head of Risk and Compliance – Australia & New Zealand
Role Title:
Head of Risk and Compliance – Australia & New Zealand
Reports to:
Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
Job Type:
Permanent
About EML
EML is a fast-moving global fintech on a mission to make payments awesome — instant, secure, and seamless. We connect our customers to their customers, wherever Money is in Motion.
We’re not your traditional payments provider. As an issuer and processor, we deliver smart, flexible alternatives to banking — from reloadable to non-reloadable cards — all tailored to fit. We move fast, think big, and partner closely with our clients to make it happen.
Innovation is in our DNA. We’re built on collaboration, driven by curiosity, and focused on doing things better every day.
At EML, you won’t be asked to fit in — we’ll help you stand out.
The Team
The Risk & Compliance team at EML believes in rolling up their sleeves and getting things done. It is a hands‑on group that engages across the organisation and understands the practical impacts and outcomes of its work.
The team is divided into two overarching groups:
Country Risk & Compliance
– responsible for their countries/regions, holding decision‑making authority and oversight of all programmer activities that impact the region.
Global Risk & Compliance
– provides deep subject‑matter expertise, framework design and execution support, and standardisation across the group in regulatory compliance, risk management, strategy, testing, assurance, engagement, reporting, and privacy/consumer protection.
The Role
The Head of Risk & Compliance – Australia & New Zealand is a Country Risk and Compliance role that holds local responsibility for the operation and oversight of the risk and programmes for Australia and New Zealand ofL, subject to the fit and proper standards as dictated by APRA and internal policy.
What You’ll Do
We are seeking an experienced leader to oversee risk and compliance activities for our Australia business with additional responsibility for New Zealand. The role is a primary point of contact with ASIC, APRA, and New Zealand regulators, ensuring EML meets all relevant obligations and maintains a strong risk and compliance culture.
This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role responsible for the day‑to‑day execution and continuous improvement of the Australian and New Zealand risk and compliance programmes.
You will focus on providing strong leadership and establishing a sound platform for regulatory compliance, risk management, and data protection compliance. You will have one direct report (the AML Compliance Officer for EPSL) and oversee compliance and risk management activities performed by outsourced service providers, working as a trusted advisor to the business and embedding regulatory frameworks into operations and culture.
Regulatory Compliance
Implement and maintain a compliance programme that addresses the business’ ongoing regulatory obligations to ASIC, AUSTRAC, APRA, relevant New Zealand regulators, and card scheme rules.
Lead the execution and ongoing improvement of all operational aspects of the compliance programme including policy/procedure governance, training, risk assessments, control and monitoring, and investigations.
Provide advice and guidance on regulatory matters across the business with pragmatic collaboration to find compliant solutions.
Act as the regulatory liaison for any regulatory communications, inquiries, visits, or inspections.
Participate in internal and external audits and act as the lead interface with business stakeholders.
Produce comprehensive management reports for the EPSL Board, regulators, and senior management as required.
Implement and embed the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework within EPSL, ensuring alignment with the Group ERM Framework and the continued effective operation of the risk function.
Collaborate with the Global Risk Management function to ensure efficient identification and assessment of emerging risks to EPSL.
Monitor and report qualitative and quantitative risks against agreed tolerance and limits.
Provide detailed reporting on risk exposures and advise management and the EPSL Board (as appropriate) on risk management matters.
Ensure effective processes and controls are in place and maintained to identify, manage, monitor and report on risks to which the firm is or may be exposed.
Ensure the consistency of and monitor adherence to risk management standards and the Global ERM framework within EPSL.
Facilitate the setting of the risk appetite by the EPSL Board.
Promote a strong risk culture by defining the expected risk and control related behaviours.
Ensure the continued operation of the three lines of defence model.
Data Protection
Collaborate with the global data protection function to implement a data protection programme defined by policy and procedure.
Embed a culture of data protection awareness within the firm.
Conduct data protection review work in line with the compliance monitoring plan.
Produce comprehensive management reports for the EPSL Board, regulators, and senior management as required.
Support the global data protection function in the rollout of relevant data protection training.
People Leadership and Resource Management
Provide day‑to‑day guidance to team members and assist in resource planning as needed.
Set clear objectives, promote professional development, and foster a collaborative and values‑driven culture.
What You’ll Bring
Experience:
Senior risk and compliance leadership in complex financial services or fintech, with exposure to ASIC, AUSTRAC, APRA, and New Zealand regulatory frameworks. Proven track record in managing and enhancing risk frameworks and regulatory interactions.
Environment:
Experience in global, matrixed environments, coordinating across time zones, cultures, and reporting lines. Comfortable with a fast‑paced, evolving regulatory environment and leading cross‑functional teams.
Knowledge:
Deep knowledge of financial services regulation, compliance frameworks for payments and e‑money in Australia and New Zealand, and relevant qualifications in risk and compliance disciplines.
Strategic Mindset:
Proactive and solution‑oriented, with a strong focus on prudential compliance and continuous improvement of risk and compliance practices.
Team:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, regulators, and cross‑functional teams; experience managing a small team and coaching junior members to deliver high‑quality work.
What You Will Be Offered
Competitive Salary commensurate with skills, experience, and industry standards.
Short‑Term Incentive (STI) Opportunity – up to 20 % of annual salary based on performance targets.
Flexible working culture – empowered to work in a way that suits your lifestyle, anywhere.
Leave Programs – Take 5 extra annual leave, Birthday leave, and 2 days of volunteer leave per year.
A culture that values collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement.
(Some benefits are subject to qualifying criteria)
EEO Statement
EML is committed to diversity and inclusion. The company treats all people fairly, values individuality, promotes based on performance, and encourages employees to reach their full potential. We respect differences across race, ethnicity, religion, gender, culture, and physical ability, and all employees are expected to support a globally diverse environment.
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