Head of Compliance, Americas

Who We Are

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the comprehensive compliance framework, strategy, and programs for the Americas region (US, Canada, Bahamas), ensuring full alignment with global compliance standards and all local regulatory requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Americas compliance team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional development.
• Serve as the primary senior point of contact and representative for the company with all regulatory bodies in the US (federal and state), Canada, and the Bahamas; oversee regulatory examinations, inquiries, audits, and ongoing reporting.
• Provide expert compliance advice, strategic guidance, and risk assessments for US expansion efforts, including new product development, service launches, derivatives, and other market entries.
• Oversee all aspects of Canadian licensing federal and provincial licensing, registration, and reporting and US Money Transmitter License (MTL) portfolios, including applications, renewals, reporting, and adherence to all specific obligations.
• Direct and oversee regional markets compliance programs, including but not limited to trade surveillance, anti-money laundering/counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), sanctions screening, and consumer protection protocols for the Americas.
• Working with central teams, lead regional compliance risk assessments (e.g., AML, operational, regulatory), ensuring timely identification, evaluation, and effective mitigation of potential risks.
• Collaborate closely with global compliance functions, legal, product, operations, and business development teams to integrate compliance requirements seamlessly into regional operations and strategic initiatives.
• Stay abreast of all pertinent regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and industry best practices within the Americas, proactively adapting regional compliance programs and policies as needed.
• Champion and embed a strong compliance culture throughout all levels of the Americas operations.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports to senior leadership and relevant governance committees on the state of compliance in the Americas, including key risks, performance metrics, significant issues, and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure effective issue management and remediation tracking for any compliance gaps or findings identified in the region.

• Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in senior compliance leadership roles within the financial services industry, with a substantial focus on the Americas (deep US and Canadian experience is essential; Bahamas or Caribbean experience is a strong asset).
• Proven track record of successfully leading, building, and developing high-performing compliance teams in a regional or multi-jurisdictional capacity.
• In-depth, expert-level knowledge of the regulatory landscape in the US (federal, state, including Bank Secrecy Act, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC sanctions, and state-specific MTL regimes; NYDFS BitLicense experience, as well as CFTC licensure), Canada (FINTRAC, PCMLTFA, and relevant provincial securities regulations), and the Bahamas (Central Bank of The Bahamas, DARE Act).
• Demonstrable experience in effectively managing regulatory relationships, navigating complex examinations, and responding to regulatory inquiries at a senior level.
• Comprehensive understanding of market compliance, AML/CFT program management, sanctions compliance, fraud prevention, and consumer protection regulations applicable to financial institutions.
• Significant experience in the cryptocurrency, digital assets, or fintech industry.
• Proven ability to provide pragmatic, business-oriented strategic compliance guidance for business expansion, new product development, and technology-driven initiatives.
• Relevant advanced degrees (e.g., Juris Doctor, MBA) and professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ACAMS, CFE, CRCM, CGSS) are highly desirable; deep understanding of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), CFTC regulations, and the operational requirements for CFTC-regulated entities, especially for guiding expansion into U.S. derivatives markets..

• The salary range for this position is $240,000 - $360,000
• The salary offered depends on a variety of factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location. In addition to the salary, a performance bonus and long-term incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, as well as a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Applicants should apply via OKX internal or external careers site.

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