Compliance Operations Lead Job at Paystack

Paystack is a technology company solving payments problems for ambitious businesses. Paystack's mission is to help merchants in Africa get paid by anyone, anywhere in the world. Over 9,000 of some of the best businesses in Nigeria use Paystack’s modern payments gateway, including MTN, Taxify, Domino’s Pizza, Smile Communications, Opera, God is Good Motors, Axa Mansard Insurance, and many others.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Compliance Operations Lead

Job Location: Lagos

About the Compliance Operations Lead Role

• We are seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Compliance Operations Lead to join our Risk and Compliance team. In this role, you will manage and optimize the daily operations of our operational compliance teams (incl. disputes, fraud, reviews), which play a crucial role in supporting in-house programs such as AML/KYC/CFT compliance, financial crime compliance, and card network compliance.
• The team’s primary focus is mitigating fraud, anti-money laundering, and card network compliance risks.
• As the Compliance Operations Lead, you will oversee the implementation, and maintenance of operational processes and controls, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements across partner organizations and jurisdictions.
• You’ll bring a strong background in compliance operations, a sharp focus on operational efficiency, and a collaborative mindset to work closely with cross-functional teams and achieve compliance objectives.
• This role reports to the Head of Risk & Compliance at Paystack and is based in one of our operating markets: Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, or Kenya.

What you'll be doing
Financial Crimes Operations Management:

• ??Lead the execution of AML transaction monitoring, disputes and fraud management processes to identify, investigate, and report suspicious activities.
• Optimize compliance systems to meet regulatory standards and improve efficiency in detecting and addressing risks.
• Develop and enhance fraud management strategies, balancing risk reduction with a seamless customer experience.
• Manage complex fraud investigations, coordinate with law enforcement when needed, and oversee transaction disputes to ensure timely, compliant resolutions.

Customer Due Diligence:

• Oversee customer onboarding, due diligence, and periodic reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory and policy requirements.
• Ensure KYC documents and data are thoroughly validated to meet compliance standards.

Card Network Compliance Management:

• Lead compliance efforts with major card networks, ensuring alignment with standards from Visa, MasterCard, and others.
• Stay informed on card network rules, advising stakeholders on updates and ensuring timely implementation of changes.
• Investigate compliance incidents, take corrective actions, and report findings to senior management and regulators.
• Ensure third-party providers adhere to card network compliance requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for card network compliance inquiries and maintain effective communication with stakeholders.

Process Optimization:

• Identify opportunities to enhance compliance operations (e.g., transaction monitoring, KYC, fraud) through automation and streamlined workflows.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and best practices, integrating them into the compliance program.

Cross functional Collaboration:

• Support compliance with key regulations, including KYC, AML, and other requirements, while providing guidance on regulatory changes.
• Assist with internal and external audits, preparing documentation and responding to inquiries.

Reporting & Analytics:

• Prepare and present performance reports, highlighting key metrics and areas for improvement.
• Track compliance incidents, recommend corrective actions, and maintain up-to-date documentation.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor a team of compliance specialists across 4 operational units, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment.
• Partner with regulators, auditors, and third-party providers to ensure compliance and alignment with business goals.

Required Experience

• 9+ years of KYC/AML compliance operation or financial crimes experience 
• Strong understanding of payment systems, chargeback rules, and regulations (e.g., Visa/Mastercard chargeback guidelines, PSD2, etc.).
• Relevant experience in fraud prevention, fraud risk management and building/managing fraud management teams
• Experience in transaction disputes, chargeback management, fraud prevention, or a related area within fintech, banking, or payment processing industries. 
• Strong familiarity with card network rules (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.), PCI-DSS, EMV standards, and other industry best practices.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Strong track record of ownership and collaborating across teams
• Sound business judgment, proven ability to influence others, strong analytical skills
• Willingness to travel across Africa.