Senior Manager Merchant Risk

The Merchant Risk Manager is a critical role responsible for protecting the company from financial losses and reputational damage associated with merchant activities. This individual will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive merchant risk management framework, ensuring a balance between risk mitigation and a positive merchant experience. The role involves proactive monitoring, investigation, and management of merchant-related risks, including fraud, credit, and compliance risks, to safeguard the company's assets, maintain the integrity of its payment ecosystem, and ensure adherence to all regulatory obligations, including those set by AUSTRAC, ASIC (in relation to the company's AFSL), and the ePayments Code.

Responsibilities of the role

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's merchant risk management policies, procedures, and controls, including the development and maintenance of a comprehensive AML/CTF program.
• Oversee the end-to-end merchant onboarding process, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and customer due diligence (CDD) procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement processes and systems to conduct thorough risk assessments of new and existing merchants to identify and evaluate potential risks.
• Develop and implement processes and systems to monitor merchant transactions, volumes, and chargeback activity to detect and investigate suspicious or high-risk behavior.
• Lead investigations into fraudulent activities, collaborating with internal teams and external partners as necessary.
• Manage and own the performance of the merchant risk operations team, ensuring timely and effective execution of risk management processes.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for internal and external stakeholders on merchant risk-related matters.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including merchants, acquiring banks, and law enforcement agencies.
• Generate and present regular reports and analytics on merchant risk trends, key performance indicators, and the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies.
• Educate partners, internal staff and customers on best practices for fraud prevention and risk management.
• Ensure all risk management practices and merchant-facing processes are compliant with the company's Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) obligations and the ePayments Code.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging threats, and regulatory changes in the merchant risk landscape, particularly those related to payment facilitators, AUSTRAC, AFSL requirements, the ePayments Code, and card scheme rules.

About you

We are seeking a seasoned and proactive leader with a strong background in merchant risk management within the financial services or payments industry. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of fraud, credit, and compliance risks, coupled with a proven ability to develop and implement effective risk mitigation strategies. Experience with the Australian regulatory landscape for financial services is essential, including AML/CTF compliance (AUSTRAC), AFSL obligations, the ePayments Code, card scheme rules, and the specific requirements of operating as a payment facilitator. You are a confident and data-driven decision-maker, with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. Your leadership style is collaborative and inspiring, with a focus on team development and performance excellence. You are a clear and concise communicator, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels, from merchants to senior executives. You are a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is passionate about protecting the business while enabling its growth.