Compliance Operations Lead at Paystack

About the Role

• Paystack is 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.