Role Title:
Head of AML/CTF – Ireland (PCF-52)
Location:
Ireland / Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent
About EML
EML Payments is a global leader in the fintech space. Our mission is to create awesome, instant, and secure payment solutions that connect our customers to their customers, anytime, anywhere, wherever money is in motion. Our Purpose is to inspire transformative digital change for our customers and communities.
EML Money DAC ("Money DAC") a wholly owned subsidiary of EML Payments, is a fast-growing technology company and e money payments institution headquartered in the Republic of Ireland. EML Money DAC is an electronic money institution focused on payment cards for companies and consumers. EML Money DAC offers expense control platform, prepaid cards, gift cards to individuals, businesses. Incorporated in Ireland, EML Money DAC is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
The team you'll be joining
The Risk & Compliance team at EML believes in rolling up their sleeves and getting things done. At EML, we don't subscribe to ivory tower compliance – the organisation seeks a hands-on leader who will engage across the organisation and understand the practical impacts and outcomes of their work.
The
Head of AML/CTF – Ireland
, with local responsibility for the operation and oversight of EML Money DAC's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing programme. This position is subject to the Fitness and Probity Regulations and the Individual Accountability Framework introduced by the Central Bank of Ireland. The Head of AML/CTF – Ireland holds the Pre-Approval Controlled Function of PCF-52, requiring pre-approval from the Central Bank of Ireland prior to formal appointment. In this capacity, you will have direct access to the Board of EML Money DAC on AML/CTF matter.
In addition to responsibilities under EML Money DAC's e-money licence, the role will also provide targeted AML/CFT compliance oversight and guidance for EML's business activities in EU. This includes ensuring that proportionate financial crime controls are in place, aligned with internal policies and industry best practices, and that any emerging risks or regulatory developments impacting these activities are appropriately assessed and escalated. The role will collaborate with commercial and operational teams to ensure that AML/CFT considerations are embedded in the design and delivery of these services.
The role and what you'll do
We are seeking an experienced financial crime expert who is looking to bring their career to the next level to oversee and continually enhance the AML/CTF compliance activities for our Irish business. This is a hands-on, leadership role responsible for ensuring that EML Money DAC meets all applicable anti-money laundering obligations and maintains a strong culture of financial crime compliance. You will act as a trusted advisor to the business on AML/CTF matters, providing robust oversight and guidance while enabling pragmatic, compliant solutions.
The role is highly visible, serving as the primary point of contact with the Central Bank of Ireland for AML/CTF and related regulatory issues. You will focus on strong leadership of the 2nd line AML function, embedding an effective AML/CTF framework into the organisation's operations and culture.
AML/CTF Compliance Programme
* Implement and maintain a robust AML/CTF programme that reflects the company's risk profile and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
* Ensure controls (policies, procedures, monitoring, etc.) are designed and operating effectively to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing.
* Conduct regular gap analyses of AML/CTF regulations to identify new or changing requirements, and lead updates to policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance.
* Deliver the Business-Wide Risk Assessment (BWRA) for money laundering/terrorist financing, keeping it up-to-date and reflective of emerging risks and typologies. Use a risk-based approach to prioritize compliance efforts and controls.
* Lead the continuous improvement of AML controls – including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and suspicious activity investigation – with ongoing testing and assurance to evaluate their effectiveness.
* Serve as the escalation point for complex AML/CTF issues. Review and approve high-risk client cases, transactions or exceptions escalated by the first line operations, providing direction or decisions on whether to onboard/exit clients, file reports, or implement mitigating measures.
* Oversee the Suspicious Transaction Reporting process, ensuring that internal suspicious activity reports are investigated thoroughly and, where necessary, timely STRs/SARs are filed with the relevant authorities.
* Ensure trends or significant cases are analysed and reported to management to inform risk mitigation.
* Coordinate with Internal Audit and external auditors on any AML/CTF related audits or reviews. Ensure prompt resolution of audit findings and implementation of recommended improvements related to AML/CFT. If third-party or regulatory reviews identify issues, lead the remediation efforts to strengthen controls and close any gaps.
* Provide advice and guidance to the business on AML/CFT matters in a collaborative, solutions-focused manner. Work closely with product and commercial teams on the AML/CTF implications of new products, services, or clients, ensuring that financial crime risks are appropriately assessed and mitigated at the outset.
Regulatory Engagement and Reporting
* Act as the nominated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for EML Money DAC. Serve as the primary liaison with the Central Bank of Ireland on all AML/CTF compliance matters. Handle regulatory communications, inquiries, inspections, and routine correspondence related to financial crime compliance, ensuring regulators receive prompt and complete information.
* Report on AML/CTF compliance to senior management and the Board. Prepare and deliver the annual MLRO report to the Board of Directors, providing an overview of the AML/CTF programme's effectiveness, key issues, and areas for improvement.
* Ensure timely escalation and reporting of issues. Promptly escalate any material AML/CTF concerns, such as significant control failures or suspicious activity trends, to the appropriate governance forums, senior management and, where appropriate, directly to the Board or regulatory authorities
* Respond to law enforcement and regulatory requests. Oversee prompt, accurate handling of any requests for information, subpoenas, or orders related to money laundering or sanctions. Coordinate with legal as needed to manage these interactions while protecting customer data confidentiality and the company's interests.
* Deliver training and awareness on AML/CTF. Work with the broader compliance team to ensure that appropriate AML/CTF training is provided to all employees.
People Leadership and Resource Management
* Set team and individual objectives that align with the firm's strategy and risk appetite and provide day-to-day guidance to ensure those objectives are met.
* Manage and mentor team members, promoting professional development and a collaborative, values-driven culture. Conduct regular performance reviews, offer coaching and support to build the team's expertise in AML/CFT, and ensure high-quality work output.
* Ensure the AML/CTF function has adequate resources, tools, and training to effectively carry out its duties. Where activities are outsourced or supported by group functions, maintain oversight of those outsourced service providers, set clear service expectations, and monitor their performance in AML/CTF matters.
* Work closely with the Head of Risk & Compliance – Ireland and other risk and compliance functions (e.g. Fraud, Privacy) as well as business units to ensure a holistic approach to AML/CTF compliance. Act as a leader within the Ireland office, contributing to broader risk management and compliance initiatives and deputising for the Head of Risk & Compliance – Ireland on AML/CTF topics when required.
What you will be offered
* 25 days annual leave plus 2 days for volunteering, plus your birthday off - Plus an additional Take5 days should you use all of your 25 days
* Global business landscape that connects you with colleagues working throughout Australia, UK, North America and Europe with both short-term and long-term secondment options.
* Hybrid working - Be empowered to work smarter, in a way that suits your lifestyle
* Company Enhanced Family Leave Options*
* 12 weeks paid New Parent Leave*
* Paid Professional Memberships
* Vitality Pension Scheme
* Short term bonus scheme*
* Company Private Medical Insurance Scheme
* Long term illness cover – 75% of your basic Annual Salary
* Life Assurance (Death in Service) Cover – 4x your basic Annual Salary
* Employee Assistance Programme – accessible 24/7
* BenefitsHub – get discount vouchers for your favourite retailers
(*some benefits are subject to qualifying criteria)
Company culture and values
Our place is one of collaboration, teamwork & innovation. But, above all, it's one that embraces difference. And rather than have you blend in, we want to help you unleash your full potential.
Company structure
EML is an ASX listed company head quartered in Brisbane, Australia, with approximately 480 employees throughout Australia, Europe, the UK, and America.
EEO statement
Integrated into our Core Values is EML's commitment to diversity and inclusion. EML is committed to being a globally inclusive company where all people are treated fairly, recognised for their individuality, promoted based on performance and encouraged to strive to reach their full potential.