Deputy Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer

Deputy Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer

Office based role - London or Milton Keynes

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of digital payments with one of Europe’s most innovative payments companies?

Join viva.com as a Deputy Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer, where your expertise will drive innovation and strengthen our risk management framework. This is a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with top-tier professionals, and contributing to a sustainable cashless economy. Apply now to become a pivotal part of our team and help shape the future of payments.

Why viva.com  

viva.com is a leading European cloud-based neobank, delivering the future of payments, now. With presence in 24 markets, it is the payment institution with the largest footprint in Europe. viva.com’s mission is to change the way businesses pay and get paid, offering truly unifying, yet localized, end-to-end advanced digital payments solutions and embedded banking services tailored to their needs. An advocate for a sustainable cashless economy, the Organisation delivers digital payments services across three different time zones, in 17 languages and 9 currencies, featuring over 30 payment methods. Harnessing the power of revolutionary technologies, such as the viva.com | Terminal app and Smart Checkout payment gateway, viva.com provides an omnichannel solution, that offers seamless, conversion-boosting and secure ways to process online and in-person transactions, streamlining business operations and enhancing the customer experience.  

Learn more at viva.com  

About the role: 

We are currently seeking an experienced, skilled, and detail-orientated Deputy Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer to join our Risk and Compliance Team. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing, maintaining, and continuously enhancing our compliance and risk management framework. You will be expected to foster a strong risk culture throughout the organization by promoting awareness, knowledge, and training in collaboration with the Chief Risk Officer and Head of Regulatory Compliance.   

As a Deputy Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer, you will  

• Work closely with the Chief Risk Officer and Head of Regulatory Compliance and deputize when required.  

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive compliance monitoring plan.   

• Support the monitoring of business activities for compliance with internal policies and external regulations.  

• Manage direct reports, providing mentorship and coaching to foster their professional growth and enhance their skills. Cultivate a supportive environment that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous improvement among team members.   

• Proactively consider changes to laws and regulatory requirements and ensure that the organization is informed, and also to lead on the implementation of any required business changes.   

• Facilitate training sessions for employees on compliance policies and risk management practices.  

• Work closely with various departments to advise on risk and compliance matters, ensuring that business strategies align with regulatory and ethical standards. This includes managing senior stakeholders within the business to influence any desired changes.   

• Lead on scoping and execution of internal and external audits related to risk and compliance. Implement corrective actions and enhancements based on audit findings.  

• Participate in the investigation of compliance issues and risk incidents. Prepare reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies.  

• Take an active role in the development and coaching of team members. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning by identifying training needs, providing constructive feedback, and supporting career growth opportunities for team members in the risk and compliance function.   

• Execute and embed a comprehensive risk management strategy aligned with the company's objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This will include ownership of the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework, the risk appetite, and risk thresholds. 

• Ensure that the UK business tracks all of its Key Risk Indicators (KRI's) on a regular basis, and monitor on and report breaches to the ERC 

• Chair (when necessary) and ensure ownership of the ERC Committee to provide the SLT with a mechanism to oversee all key risks to the UK business 

• Report all material risks to the Board of Directors, and ensure that all key risks are adequately monitored. 

• Lead the development and enhancement of compliance and risk management information (M.I.) and use this information to develop business-wide compliance and risk strategies. 

• Project manage regulatory change initiatives and ensure good governance and delivery of key projects (e.g. APP scams) 

• Help to deal with ad hoc inquiries either from the business and/or the Group 

• Help to deal with and manage the flow of information requests and the overall relationship with our key  regulator (FCA). 

• Manage and support the ongoing implementation of Consumer Duty work across the organization, ensuring it is continually aligned with the expectations set out by the FCA 

Requirements

Essentials: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance/Economics, Business Administration, or related field from a top institution. 

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in: 

• Risk management, 

• Regulatory Compliance, 

• Regulatory or related field, 

• Excellent understanding of payment industry standards and regulatory requirements (PSD2, E-money regulations, Consumer Duty, Operational resilience etc) 

• Excellent understanding of risk assessment methodologies, risk appetite, enterprise wide risk frameworks and compliance frameworks. 

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint. 

• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.  

• Strong ethical judgment and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion. 

• A proactive, detail-oriented individual who can work independently and as part of a team. 

• Fluent English language skills, both written and verbal. 

Of advantage, although not essential:  

• A master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CRCM, CRISC).  

• Experience of working with Payments, Finance, and/or E-Money Institutions.  

Personal Profile:   

• Demonstrates superior written and verbal communication skills coupled with sharp commercial acumen.  

• Possesses outstanding interpersonal abilities, crucial for building strong, enduring relationships.  

• Confident and professional in interactions with individuals at all levels, showcasing the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.  

• Capable of working independently, utilizing initiative to navigate and resolve complex issues.  

• Comfortable making independent, judgment-based decisions with significant potential impacts on viva.com and its customers.  

• Exhibits exceptional organizational capabilities and an unparalleled attention to detail.  

• Approaches work with a passionate, tenacious attitude, and a solution-oriented "can do" mindset.  

• A true team player, deeply committed to contributing to the success and future growth of viva.com, taking pride in personal and collective achievements.  

#LI-Onsite

Benefits

• Individual performance bonus.
• Private medical health insurance.
• 25 Days holiday rising to 30 with service + bank holidays.
• A diverse multi-cultural working environment.
• Opportunity to fast track skills development by working on a broad range of risk topologies, within the fast evolving digital payments environment.
• Technology focused organization, employing many leading edge technologies.
• Office based role working out of either London or Milton Keynes offices.
• 9am-5pm office hours Monday to Friday.