Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance
The Opportunity
A well-capitalized, venture-backed technology company is looking for its first Chief Compliance Officer. The business operates across multiple international markets and is entering a significant growth phase, including a substantial fundraising round and continued global expansion.
This is a builder role. You will join a lean executive team and own compliance entirely — creating policy, structure, and culture from scratch. In return, you'll receive executive-level compensation, a meaningful equity stake, and a genuine seat at the leadership table.
Core Responsibilities
Compliance Architecture
Stand up and lead a fit-for-purpose global compliance function across all markets where the company operates
Develop the policies, controls, and monitoring systems needed to meet regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously
Take ownership of all AML and KYC obligations, including those tied to capital raises and institutional transactions
Privacy & Data Governance
Establish the company's approach to data governance, with a particular focus on handling sensitive user and stakeholder information at scale
Ensure full alignment with GDPR, CCPA, and applicable international privacy frameworks
Work cross-functionally with technology leadership to ensure compliance is built into the product, not bolted on
Risk & Audit
Identify, assess, and mitigate regulatory and operational risk across the business on an ongoing basis
Create an internal audit function that gives the CEO and Board reliable, timely insight into compliance posture
Serve as the primary point of contact for external legal counsel and regulators across all operating regions
Culture & Conduct
Own the company's Code of Conduct and ensure it is embedded meaningfully across a globally distributed team
Design and deliver training on ethics, anti-corruption (FCPA), and conduct standards
Your Background
10+ years in a senior compliance or legal role, with experience in at least one of: fintech, payments, financial services, or high-growth tech
Hands-on experience building compliance programs — ideally in a startup or scale-up where you had to create structure rather than maintain it
Strong command of AML/KYC frameworks and international privacy regulation
Demonstrated ability to manage compliance obligations across multiple countries and legal systems
JD or postgraduate qualification in law or compliance preferred; professional certifications (CAMS, CCEP or equivalent) are an advantage
You communicate clearly with boards and investors, make sound decisions under uncertainty, and don't need a large team to be effective
What's On Offer
Executive equity package
Competitive base salary
Fully remote, internationally distributed team
Direct reporting line to the CEO
The chance to define and own a critical function at a company with genuine global ambitions
We're open to candidates from a range of backgrounds. What matters most is that you've built something in a complex, fast-moving environment — and you're ready to do it again.
- Department
- Executive
- Locations
- USA
- Remote status
- Fully Remote
About Remote People
We specialize in connecting forward-thinking companies with outstanding global talent. Whether you’re looking to fill a critical role or expand into new markets without local offices, we’re here to support you every step of the way.