Emerald Zebra successfully filled the role of Head of AML & Compliance for a FinTech company based in Limassol, Cyprus. The client, a Central Bank of Cyprus-licensed organization offering payment solutions, sought a highly qualified compliance professional to lead its AML and Compliance operations. This role offered a salary range of EUR 65,000 – 96,000 gross/year, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
The Recruitment Process
- 98 Applications Received
The vacancy attracted 98 applications from both internal and external talent pools. Due to the seniority and specialization of the role, only candidates with deep experience in AML, compliance, and financial regulations were considered.
- 11 CVs Submitted to the Client
Following a detailed screening process, 11 highly relevant candidates were presented to the client. The focus was on experience with AML laws, regulatory frameworks, and leadership in compliance within FinTech or financial institutions.
- 4 First-Round Interviews Conducted
The client met with four shortlisted candidates in the first round of interviews, assessing their technical knowledge, leadership potential, and cultural fit with the organization.
- 3 Second-Round Interviews
The second interviews were more in-depth, focusing on how the candidates would design and implement compliance policies, manage KYC/CDD procedures, and handle ongoing monitoring and reporting.
- 1 Final Interview and Offer Extended
After the final interview, one candidate emerged as the top choice. This individual possessed extensive experience in AML and Compliance, a proven track record of success in regulatory roles within financial institutions, and a strong academic background with relevant qualifications. The candidate received a comprehensive offer and was given ample time for review. With our guidance and support to both parties, the candidate maintained an open communication with the hiring manager and the talent acquisition team to clarify and discuss the details. This facilitated a thorough evaluation of the offer, enabling the candidate to make an informed decision and ultimately accept the offer.
The Timeline
- Time to Offer: 1 month from vacancy onboarding to offer acceptance.
- Notice Period: The successful candidate had a 2-month notice period, meaning the client waited for the right professional to join.
- Time to Start: The candidate commenced employment 3 months after onboarding the vacancy.
Consultant Quote: Georgia Michaelides
"This was a pivotal role for the client, and they were determined to find the best candidate—someone with a deep understanding of AML and Compliance, strong leadership skills, and the ability to navigate a highly regulated environment. Despite the tight timeframe, we successfully identified and secured the right candidate, demonstrating the value of a targeted and efficient recruitment strategy."
Summary
- Budget: EUR 65,000 – 96,000 gross/year
- Applications: 98
- CVs Submitted: 11
- First-Round Interviews: 4
- Second-Round Interviews: 3
- Final Interview: 1
- Time to Offer: 1 month
- Candidate Start Date: 3 months after vacancy onboarding
This case study highlights Emerald Zebra’s ability to deliver targeted recruitment solutions for high-level compliance roles in the FinTech sector. By tapping into a specialized network and maintaining a rigorous screening process, the right candidate was found quickly and efficiently.
