About the role:

You are a senior compliance professional with experience in the payment services, fintech, banking or financial services industries in Hong Kong, and a strong track record of execution of compliance programs. As Head of Compliance for Hong Kong, you will play a critical role in maintaining Aspire’s MSO and SFC licenses, ensuring robust compliance programs are in place for its payment and investment products and services as the business scales its offerings in HK and other SEA countries.

You will lead all regulatory and compliance matters, including designing compliance strategies in line with legal requirements and guidelines, acting as MLRO, developing and implementing policies, SOPs, systems, governance frameworks and internal controls, as well as ensuring Aspire continues to meet its ongoing license obligations and reporting requirements.

What will you be doing?

• Appointed as Head of Compliance / MLRO in Hongkong for Money Service Operators License (MSO), reporting to the Group Head of Compliance. Other countries and markets can be covered in the region as we are expanding fast.
• Attending and passing the MSO Competence Assessment as a licensed director.
• Maintaining the company’s adherence to the compliance framework under the Money Service Operators License (MSO) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regulations and licensing requirements.
• Reviewing and maintaing policies, SOPs, and internal controls for regulatory compliance with the MSO and SFC regulations, as well as bank partner expectations
• Monitoring and testing the operational execution of the compliance policies.
• Working with the FinCrime Operations team to train them on the KYC and Transaction Monitoring requirements as per the regulations, bank partner expectations and company policy
• Assisting in internal and external audits of compliance and regulatory processes and procedures.
• Developing content for internal training sessions on the regulatory and compliance framework for the business and compliance teams.
• Providing regulatory advice and review on product development, network partnerships and business initiatives
• Providing support and guidance to Deputy MLRO on AML/CTF matters
• Maintaining a thorough working knowledge of current regulatory requirements, familiarity with company processes, policies, and products.
• Preparing and submitting regulatory reports to HKCE/SFC as and when due.

Minimum qualifications:

• Extensive experience in a compliance leadership role within the financial industry, with a focus on Hong Kong regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (HKCE) Money Service Operators License (MSO) regulations and licensing requirements.
• Proven track record of successful interactions with regulatory authorities and experience in license compliance for MSO and/or SFC
• Strong understanding of Hong Kong regulatory compliance and AML frameworks.

Preferred qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regulations and licensing requirements
• In-depth knowledge of international AML standards and best practices.
• Professional certifications in compliance and AML (e.g., CAMS, ACAMS)
• Familiarity with technology solutions for AML and compliance monitoring.
• Knowledge of Web 3/Crypto regulatory environment