Emerald Zebra is recruiting an experienced Compliance Officer and MLRO on behalf of a leading digital asset boutique committed to regulatory excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for a compliance professional to play a critical role in ensuring adherence to Cypruss regulatory requirements, including MiCA, CySEC, and EU AML/CTF legislation, while contributing to the growth of a cutting-edge digital asset organization.
Location: Limassol or Nicosia, Cyprus (Hybrid: 2 days/week in-office)
About the Role
The AML & Regulatory Compliance Officer will be responsible for implementing and overseeing the organizations Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF), and regulatory compliance framework. This role requires an experienced compliance professional with a strong understanding of Cyprus and EU regulations, including MiCA, AML/CTF laws, and CySEC requirements.
Working closely with senior management and the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will ensure that the company remains compliant with all applicable regulations while managing compliance risks in a rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.
Key Responsibilities
AML/CTF Compliance
- Develop, implement, and maintain AML/CTF policies and procedures in line with CySEC and EU regulations.
- Oversee compliance with all local AML, CTF, and KYC laws, including risk-based customer due diligence, screening, and transaction monitoring.
- Conduct regular AML/CTF risk assessments, evaluating customer profiles, transaction patterns, and business operations for potential risks.
- Manage the transaction monitoring system and oversee suspicious activity reporting (SARs) and escalations.
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and auditors on AML/CTF matters.
- Maintain accurate records of AML/CTF checks, training, and reporting for audit and regulatory purposes.
- Serve as the designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), ensuring compliance with AML/CFT regulations.
- Develop and execute the annual AML Risk
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure the company complies with MiCA regulations and CySEC requirements, including submitting periodic reports and maintaining required licenses.
- Provide AML/CTF and regulatory compliance advice to senior management and the Board of Directors.
- Prepare and present MLRO reports on compliance risk management activities for senior management and the Board.
- Participate in the development of new products and services, assessing compliance implications under AML/CTF and regulatory frameworks.
- Establish and maintain a strong internal control framework, ensuring audit readiness at all times.
- Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring full cooperation with regulatory inspections, financial audits, and compliance assessments.
- Conduct annual independent compliance reviews, ensuring ongoing adherence to AML, MiCA, and CySEC requirements (Compliance Monitoring Program, Compliance testing)
- Prepare and present quarterly compliance and risk reports to the Board, ensuring clear visibility on compliance performance, regulatory risks, and mitigation strategies.
- Develop and oversee outsourcing policies, ensuring third-party service providers meet regulatory and contractual obligations.
- Conduct due diligence and ongoing risk assessments for vendors handling AML/KYC, cybersecurity, and financial transactions.
Training & Awareness
- Develop and deliver AML/CTF training for employees, ensuring awareness of compliance obligations and keeping the team updated on regulatory changes.
- Foster a compliance-oriented culture within the organization by providing guidance and ongoing support to staff.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor transactions for suspicious activities and ensure timely reporting of any identified risks or irregularities.
- Review, approve, and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs/SARs) to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and other regulatory bodies.
- Regularly review and update AML/CTF processes to ensure they align with evolving regulations, industry best practices, and business needs.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- BA Degree in Law, Finance or related field
- t least 7 years of experience in AML/CTF and regulatory compliance, ideally within the digital asset, fintech, or financial services industry.
- CySEC Advanced Certification (or willingness to obtain it within the first six months).
- Strong knowledge of Cyprus and EU-level AML/CTF regulations, including MiCA and CySEC requirements.
- Experience with client onboarding
Technical & Soft Skills
- Excellent understanding of AML/CTF processes, risk assessment methodologies, and reporting obligations.
- Familiarity with digital assets, blockchain technologies, and the compliance challenges in the industry would be considered as advantage.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Greek.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Why join our client?
- Work for a leading digital asset boutique, managing innovative financial products in a rapidly growing industry.
- Be part of a collaborative team with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Hybrid work environment offering flexibility and work-life balance.
If youre an experienced compliance professional interested in a career in the digital assets sector, we want to hear from you.
Apply Now
and take the next step in your compliance career by sending your CV to marie.pavlou@emeraldzeebra.cy
