
Head of Compliance
- South Africa
- Permanent
- Full-time
VALR is Africa's largest crypto exchange by trade volume, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Serving over 1 million users globally, including 1,100 corporate and institutional clients, we’re licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, with additional approvals to offer services in Europe and initial approval from Dubai's VARA.VALR distinguishes itself with a customer-first philosophy, delivering secure, transparent, and innovative solutions for both professional and retail traders.Our Vision:
Our vision is to create a world where finance unites rather than divides. Our name, derived from the word "valour" without distinction between American and British English, symbolises our commitment to universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every human being. These values drive us to design a platform that breaks down financial barriers, making it as seamless to send value across borders as it is to send an email.Our Mission:
At our core, we’re a values-driven exchange, dedicated to building a financial ecosystem that serves all of humanity. We believe in simplifying the complex world of crypto and blockchain to make it accessible to everyone, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain-powered future.We’re dedicated to:
- Serving all Humanity: Inspired by the adage "it is expensive to be poor," we’re committed to creating a financial ecosystem accessible to all, challenging the status quo and reducing the frictions of outdated systems.
- Promoting for Unity: Our platform reflects our belief in a socio-financial evolution. We envision a future where the global community is not defined by national boundaries but united by a shared vision of justice and prosperity.
- 10+ years’ progressive experience in compliance, legal, or regulatory roles, with at least 3 years at a senior leadership level.
- Relevant compliance certifications such as ACAMS, CAMS, CFE, CCEP, or equivalent are favourable.
- Experience in financial services, fintech, crypto exchanges or other crypto asset service providers with direct regulatory engagement across multiple jurisdictions.
- Proven expertise in regulatory compliance frameworks, including, but not limited to: FAIS, FICA (AML, CFT, KYC, sanctions, transaction monitoring, Travel Rule), data privacy (GDPR, POPIA), and financial crime risk.
- A strong understanding of South African FSCA requirements and an understanding of international regulations across Europe and other key markets in Asia and Africa would be advantageous.
- Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing global, cross-functional compliance teams.
- Track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with regulators, boards, and executive stakeholders.
- High ethical integrity, sound judgment, and resilience under pressure.
- Lead VALR’s global compliance function, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory obligations.
- Oversee compliance frameworks, policies, and controls for VALR’s full compliance universe.
- Monitor evolving global regulatory environments and ensure timely communication to stakeholders and adaptation of policies and processes.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with regulators, auditors, and financial intelligence units in all jurisdictions where VALR operates.
- Drive regulatory reporting processes, ensuring ongoing compliance and transparent communication.
- Partner with various business units to ensure compliance requirements are built into VALR’s products, platforms, and processes from the start.
- Establish and lead a risk-based compliance monitoring programme, investigations, audits, and incident reviews, providing reports to Leadership and the Board.
- Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing global compliance team.
- Integrate compliance training programmes into VALR's training offerings to appropriate teams.
- Promote a culture of ethics, integrity, and compliance across the organisation.
- Advise and provide guidance to the business, Leadership and the Board on emerging risks and regulatory developments that may impact the business.
- Innovative Work Environment
- Engage with the latest blockchain technologies and tools in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Work from anywhere with secure, stable internet connectivity, allowing you to create your ideal workspace.
- Career Development
- Benefit from an annual professional development allowance alongside scheduled company training sessions to keep you at the forefront of the crypto industry.
- Competitive Compensation
- Competitive salaries that align with industry standards.
- When you contribute to our success, you’ll be rewarded with discretionary bonuses, recognising your impact on VALR’s growth.
- Receive preferential Tier 5 trading fees on VALR, with no monthly trading volume required.
- Diversity and Inclusion
- A commitment to fostering a diverse workforce with initiatives that promote equity and belonging.
- Wellness
- Employees are encouraged to strive for coherent and wholesome lives, fulfilling their work, personal, social, physical and spiritual goals to the best of their abilities.
- Compliance with statutory leave required by individual countries, in addition to flexible leave options.
- Impact and Contribution
- At VALR, we believe in a financial system that recognises the oneness of humanity. Our mission is to break down financial barriers and promote universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every individual.
- Engage in initiatives that promote education and awareness about cryptocurrencies, ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to participate in the evolving financial landscape.
- Dynamic Team Culture
- Open communication and teamwork across departments, fostering innovation and creativity.
- Enjoy social gatherings outside of work to strengthen team bonds and boost morale.
- Global Exposure
- Work with colleagues from around the world.
- Exposure to diverse perspectives and practices in the crypto space.
- Recognition and Rewards
- Regular acknowledgement of employee accomplishments, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.
- Join us for retreats that blend professional development with team bonding in inspiring locations.
- Tools for Success
- Receive a Mac laptop and a discretionary allowance to purchase all the extras needed for a productive home office—yours to keep after three years (terms and conditions apply).