Manpower Cyprus is recruiting on behalf of a regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI) for a Head of Compliance who will be registered with the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) as the Compliance Appointed Person. The successful candidate will lead the compliance function, act as a key regulatory interface, and build a pragmatic, business-enabling compliance framework that supports growth while protecting the organization from regulatory, financial crime, conduct, and operational risks.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will operate as an independent senior manager with the authority, resources, and access required to effectively oversee compliance across the organization, working closely with the AMLCO and senior stakeholders.
Key responsibilities
- Act as the Compliance Appointed Person under CBC requirements and lead the EMI’s compliance function in Cyprus
- Implement and maintain the compliance framework, including policies, procedures, controls, and governance to meet CBC and EU regulatory requirements
- Monitor regulatory developments (CBC circulars, EU legislation and guidance), assess impact, and drive timely implementation across the business
- Own and maintain the compliance monitoring programme, including thematic reviews, testing plans, findings, corrective actions, and reporting
- Provide advisory support to business and support functions to enable new products, services, customers, and industry verticals in a controlled and compliant manner
- Maintain strong regulatory engagement: manage communications with CBC and other competent authorities, respond to requests, and ensure full cooperation and timely delivery of information
- Coordinate regulatory reporting with relevant teams, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and on-time submissions; handle ad hoc regulatory data requests as needed
- Liaise with internal and external auditors, oversee remediation of compliance-related findings, and evidence closure of actions
- Review, update, and approve compliance-related documentation and changes (policies, procedures, manuals, customer-facing terms where relevant)
- Partner with the AMLCO on ML/TF and sanctions-related frameworks, including supporting updates to manuals/procedures and alignment with regulatory expectations
- Support oversight and coordination with AML/compliance functions on suspicious activity escalation, investigation governance, and high-profile or sensitive cases when required
- Review and approve marketing materials and public communications (including social media) to ensure regulatory and conduct compliance
- Deliver compliance training and awareness: educate staff on relevant obligations, communicate changes, and promote a strong compliance culture
- Ensure outsourcing and third-party arrangements include required compliance terms and meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements
- Prepare a formal written annual compliance report to the Board (at minimum), including key risks, monitoring outcomes, deficiencies, and remediation progress; present and discuss at Board level
- Safeguard the independence of the compliance function and ensure appropriate escalation and governance where needed
Requirements (skills & experience)
- Minimum 3 years’ proven experience in a Senior compliance role within a regulated financial institution; EMI/payments experience is strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of CBC regulatory expectations and EU regulatory frameworks applicable to EMIs and payment services, including compliance risk management and internal controls
- Demonstrable experience managing regulatory relationships and coordinating responses to regulatory requests/examinations
- Hands-on experience designing and running compliance monitoring programmes and supporting audit remediation
- Strong understanding of AML/CTF and sanctions controls and ability to work effectively alongside an AMLCO (SAR/STR familiarity is an advantage)
- Proven ability to draft, implement, and maintain clear policies and procedures and embed them through training and operational guidance
- Excellent stakeholder management, written and verbal communication skills, and confidence engaging with senior management and Boards
- High integrity, independence of judgment, strong analytical skills, and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
- Relevant professional qualifications/certifications in Compliance and/or AML are desirable
What’s on offer
- Very Attractive remuneration package
- Provident Fund
- Modern office facilities in Nicosia
- Collaborative culture and a role with high visibility and impact, including direct exposure to Board-level governance