Lead Compliance & AML Specialist, Shape a New Payments Business

About this role

• Lead the registration and regulatory establishment of the Australian business entity.
• Manage the application process for an Australian payment licence from preparation through submission.
• Develop, implement, and maintain anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance frameworks.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory communications and enquiries.
• Prepare responses to regulatory requests, reviews, and inspections.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with relevant Australian financial services and payments regulations.
• Support the maintenance and continuous improvement of governance, risk, and compliance processes.
• Drive daily operational compliance activities and provide guidance on regulatory obligations.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in financial services, payments, compliance, or AML-related roles.
• Strong knowledge of Australian compliance, regulatory, and anti-money laundering requirements.
• Experience managing or supporting interactions with Australian financial regulators.
• Understanding of payment licence application processes within Australia.
• Ability to independently manage regulatory reviews and inspections.
• Bachelor's degree or higher qualification.
• Professional working proficiency (speaking and written) in both English and Chinese.
• Strong record of integrity and professional conduct.
• Experience within a regulator or in licensing, compliance, or AML functions will be highly regarded.
• Relevant compliance or AML certifications are advantageous.
• Australian-based candidate with unrestricted ability to work in Australia.

Our client is a growing organisation within the financial services and payments sector, expanding its presence in Australia. The business is seeking an experienced compliance professional to support regulatory licensing requirements and establish strong risk and compliance foundations.

• Opportunity to play a critical role in launching and growing a payments business in Australia.
• Direct involvement in strategic licensing and regulatory initiatives.
• High-visibility position with significant ownership and autonomy.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and regulatory engagement.
• Dynamic and growing financial services environment.
• Opportunity to build and enhance compliance frameworks from the ground up.

About compliance & regulatory roles for ex-police

Compliance, AML/CTF and regulatory roles. Working to AUSTRAC, ASIC and APRA obligations is a stronger regulatory grounding than most civilian applicants can offer — firms increasingly recognise this.