Head of Risk Onboarding (1LOD)

About us

Founded in 2018, we are one of the largest independent, fully vertically integrated omnichannel payments companies in the UK and Europe. We help businesses receive payments either through POS systems (the ones you tap your card on) or online.

We have 350 employees across our head office in London, regional offices in the UK and Kazakhstan.

We are growing quickly and are on the lookout for the very best talent to help us achieve our mission; to be a Pioneering Payments Provider, Powering businesses to thrive.

Job Summary:

The Head of Risk Onboarding (1st Line of Defence) will be responsible for leading the Risk and Onboarding function, with a particular focus on ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of DNA Payments first line of defence risk management systems. 

This role encompasses expertise in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), card schemes, credit risk, internal controls, and post-onboarding management, ensuring that the firm’s client onboarding process, risk assessments, and internal controls are robust and compliant with regulatory standards. This role requires a candidate with demonstrable experience in onboarding complex and non-standard business models, including SMEs with layered organisational structures. The successful candidate will be comfortable interpreting a variety of documentation types, assessing associated risk, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.


The individual will manage and lead a team focused on maintaining operational risk management standards and driving continuous improvements across the firm’s risk processes. The individual is expected to have around three direct reports and responsible for a wider team of at least 10.

Job Description:

• Lead the development and management of the firm’s overall risk management framework, focusing on risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across all client onboarding processes, in particular, high-risk onboarding and ongoing monitoring.
• Ensure the effective implementation and management of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and card scheme compliance policies within the first line of defence, ensuring full alignment with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
• Direct change management initiatives within the first line of defence to continually enhance risk controls, ensuring operational processes reflect regulatory changes and business needs.
• Lead the credit risk management strategy within the firm, particularly focusing on credit risk in card schemes, ensuring robust risk appetite and credit assessment protocols.
• Analyse and report on the credit risk portfolio, providing insights and recommendations for managing risk exposure across various card schemes.
• Oversee and manage the post-onboarding process, ensuring that client relationships and risk controls are maintained, with regular monitoring of compliance and operational standards.
• Develop and implement effective internal controls across onboarding, ongoing client management, and compliance monitoring to mitigate operational and regulatory risks.
• Conduct regular assessments of internal control effectiveness, ensuring controls are functioning properly and provide early warnings of potential risks.
• Actively collaborate with senior management to address and resolve escalated risks within the first line of defence, providing clear governance and effective mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate and manage internal and external audits, ensuring thorough preparation and compliance, as well as timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the first- line risk and onboarding teams, driving continuous improvements in risk processes, client onboarding efficiency, and internal control systems.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in risk management, compliance, or related roles, with specific expertise in AML, credit risk, card schemes, and internal controls, preferably in acquiring or issuing payment space, with a minimum of 2 years managing a team and working with C Level.

• Proven leadership experience in managing a multidisciplinary team, with a focus on change management and continuous improvement within a regulated environment.

• Must be experienced in onboarding automation tools, outsourcing management and vendor tooling.

• Strong background in developing, implementing, and overseeing risk management strategies and frameworks, particularly related to onboarding, AML, credit risk, and card schemes.

Technical Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of AML regulations, card scheme compliance (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), and financial crime prevention frameworks.
• Expertise in credit risk management, particularly within financial services and payment systems.
• Strong understanding of internal control systems and processes, including risk assessment, monitoring, and reporting.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (FCA, PRA, and other relevant jurisdictions) and industry best practices.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and manage teams across multiple risk disciplines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior management, external regulators, and clients.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret complex data and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to drive change and process improvements, with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness.

You’ll work with a collaborative team and join a fast-growth fintech where you’ll get the chance to learn and develop, and if that’s not enough, you also receive the following benefits.

• 25 days holiday per year
• Private Medical
• Life Assurance
• Ride to work
• Access to self-learning platform
• Bookboon
• Income Protection
• Workplace Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme

Educate, Discover & Inspire

At DNA Payments, we believe that diversity drives innovation and inclusion fosters creativity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate and promote an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.

Join us in creating a workplace that reflects the diverse world and customers we serve.

Should you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process, please make us aware.