We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Compliance Officer to join a dynamic team within a fast-growing crypto payment and OTC exchange business based in Malta. This role is ideal for an individual who is passionate about financial crime prevention, regulatory compliance, and the rapidly evolving digital asset space. The Compliance Officer will play a critical role in ensuring that the company meets all regulatory requirements while enabling secure and innovative crypto payment and exchange services for institutional and corporate clients.

This role offers a defined career progression path, with the opportunity to be promoted to Deputy MLRO after ~1 year, and thereafter to MLRO with continued strong performance and demonstrated expertise.

Key Responsibilities

As a Compliance Officer, you will:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable EU and Maltese AML/CFT regulations and guidelines, including VFAA and other relevant financial crime legislation.

• Monitor evolving regulatory requirements impacting crypto payment and exchange services and ensure internal policies reflect current obligations.

• Support implementation of compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures that align with legal and regulatory standards.

• Conduct customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD) for corporate and institutional clients.

• Review and validate onboarding documentation to assess risk profiles and ensure regulatory adherence.

• Escalate high-risk cases and recommend appropriate action.

• Review transaction activity, identify unusual or potentially suspicious behavior, and ensure timely escalation and documentation.

  Prepare and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other regulatory reports, as required.

• Maintain records of compliance actions, findings, and audits.

• Assist with the development and maintenance of internal compliance manuals, risk assessments, and operating procedures.

• Conduct training sessions for operational teams on AML, KYC, and compliance best practices.

• Promote a culture of compliance and awareness across the business.

• Support internal and external audits relating to compliance and controls.

• Liaise with relevant Maltese and EU regulators, auditors, and law enforcement when required.

• Assist in responding to regulatory inquiries or examinations.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field.

• 1–3 years’ experience in compliance, preferably within financial services, fintech, or crypto-related environments.

• Strong understanding of AML/CFT regulations, client onboarding best practices, and risk-based approaches.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and organisational skills.

• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently.

• Previous exposure to transaction monitoring, STR/CTR reporting, or AML policy development is an advantage.

This position is designed as a long-term career development opportunity with a structured growth path:

Year 1:
• Become proficient across compliance functions, including KYC/EDD, monitoring, reporting, and policy implementation.
• After demonstrating strong performance and ownership, be eligible for promotion to Deputy MLRO.

Year 2+:
• Transition into the Deputy MLRO role with increased responsibility for compliance governance and oversight functions.
• With continued achievement and deeper regulatory expertise, advance to MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer), leading the compliance program and serving as the principal regulatory liaison.