Head of Risk & Compliance

About Us:

Zepto is a rapidly-scaling provider of real-time, account-to-account payments solutions for merchants, and is reimagining the way money moves through the always-on, digital-first economy.

Our growing team across Australia allows for like-minded, talented, passionate people motivated to help us deliver on our brand promise to #LevelThePayingField 

At Zepto we believe in the power of positive human experiences, and that a deep sense of belonging creates cohesion in our culture. So, even in a remote-first team, you will be a contributor and custodian of that culture. You will also enjoy solving complex problems, and play a key role in creating something truly special as we focus on delivering ‘a better way to pay’ at Zepto. #WishYouWereHere

About the Role:

The Head of Risk & Compliance plays a critical role at Zepto that will oversee the strategic direction and operational management of the Risk & Compliance functions, which includes the oversight of risk, compliance, fraud, and financial crime capabilities and teams. 

The role is responsible for developing and implementing robust frameworks and strategies to manage risk, ensure regulator compliance and prevent, detect, monitor and report on fraud and financial crime. 

Working in a scale-up, means you get the opportunity to flex your skills in a variety of ways. We are agile and always willing to roll up our sleeves to get things done. You can, however, expect your day to day to be involved in the following:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework aligned with Zepto's objectives and regulatory requirements, including risk appetite, policies, methodologies, and systems.
• Identify, assess, prioritise, and mitigate risks across the organisation (operational, financial, strategic, repetitional), working with functional areas to establish controls and strategies.
• Oversee Zepto's compliance with AML/CTF regulations, Chapter 7 of the Corporations Act (AFSL), and other relevant regulations (privacy, data protection, modern slavery, etc.), including policy development and implementation.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies (AUSTRAC, ASIC, OAIC, RBA, etc.), ensuring timely reporting and compliance, and representing Zepto with industry partners.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fraud prevention and detection strategy, including transaction monitoring, investigations, and collaboration with internal teams.
• Oversee transaction monitoring systems and client due diligence processes (onboarding, ongoing, enhanced) to identify and mitigate financial crime risks.
• Conduct regular compliance audits and assessments, implement corrective actions, and monitor changes in regulatory requirements.
• Oversee internal and external dispute resolution processes, including responding to AFCA complaints.
• Lead, manage, and mentor the risk, compliance, and fraud team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Prepare and present regular reports on risk, compliance, and fraud activities to senior management and the board, ensuring effective communication and alignment with business objectives.

About you:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Law, or a related field. Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., CFE, CAMS, CRISC) are preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in risk management, compliance, and fraud prevention within the financial services or FinTech industry.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance obligations in Australia.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing risk management, compliance, and fraud prevention frameworks and strategies in a regulated financial services company.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams and projects.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Understanding and experience working with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) Prudential Standards.

Let’s not forget that you’re energised and enthusiastic. You are comfortable with working in a busy, high volume, competitive commercial environment. Your collaboration skills make you a valued member of the team and fundamentally a good colleague to work with. 

What’s on Offer:

Headquartered in beautiful Byron Bay, Zepto has an inspiring Founder story and is a customer-focused, culture-first organisation.

We’re all striving to achieve our mission of enabling a better way to pay for consumers and merchants and do so while fostering an inclusive culture where you will work with and learn from world-class talent in their areas of expertise.

This role can be based anywhere in Australia as we work remotely but you’ll feel connected through our various initiatives and be supported by great leadership to learn and grow. If your preference is to work hybrid or in an office, we have hub locations in Byron, Sydney and Melbourne. 

We have a supportive learning environment, with access to an individual learning benefit to ensure your curiosity and learning is a priority. You will have access to an Employee Assistance Program, paid parental leave and be eligible for inclusion in our Employee Share Option Plan.

As an organisation in the financial services industry, please note that we conduct background checks as part of our recruitment process.