Business Unit Compliance Officer (100% remote - Germany)

at  Tether Operations Limited

Tether enables businesses – including exchanges, wallets, payment processors, financial services and ATMs – to easily use reserve-backed tokens on blockchains. By leveraging blockchain technology, Tether allows you to store, send and receive digital tokens person-to-person, globally, instantly, and securely for a fraction of the cost of alternatives. Tether’s platform is built to prioritize transparency at all times.

ABOUT THE JOB:

We are seeking a Business Unit Compliance Officer (BUCO) to represent the business in compliance matters and lead the Onboarding Team. This role will involve understanding and managing the anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), counter-proliferation financing (CP), and sanctions risks associated with our customers, their payment rails, the banks they use, and the geographical locations where these customers and banks operate. The BUCO will play a pivotal role in managing the onboarding team, training personnel on AML risk, and providing strategic direction on know your customer (KYC), customer identification program (CIP), customer due diligence (CDD), and enhanced due diligence (EDD) processes.
Reporting Structure: This position will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), with a dotted line to the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).

• Lead and manage the Onboarding Team, providing guidance and oversight to ensure compliance with AML, CFT, CP, and sanctions regulations.
• Understand and evaluate the risks posed by customers, including their payment rails, banking relationships, and geographical locations, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks..
• Conduct thorough reviews of customer files, ensuring that know your customer (KYC), customer identification program (CIP), customer due diligence (CDD), and EDD procedures are effectively implemented and maintained.
• Stay current with regulatory changes, industry trends, and emerging risks related to AML, CFT, CP, and sanctions.
• Ensure compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requirements.
• Collaborate with other departments, including Compliance, Legal, and Operations, to address and resolve AML-related issues and enhance the overall compliance framework.
• Serve as the primary touchpoint for Tether Business Development (BD) and Expansion teams, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
• Liaise with non-regulatory third parties to assist with the onboarding of banks and financial institutions.
• Act as the main point of contact for VIP customers regarding onboarding and transfer processes, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Provide guidance on compliance matters for areas where Tether does not have direct regulatory responsibility, including support for initiatives such as Hadron and Estable.
• Offer strategic guidance to the Onboarding Team lead, enhancing team performance and compliance efficacy.
• Inform the business side (COO, CEO) about relevant compliance matters, ensuring alignment between compliance and business objectives.

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, criminal justice, or a related field.

• Advanced degrees or relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS) are preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in AML, CFT, CP, and sanctions compliance, with experience in a cryptocurrency company or traditional financial institution.
• Strong understanding of KYC, CIP, CDD, and EDD processes and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and training staff in AML risk management.
• Proven ability to conduct AML investigations and write clear, comprehensive SAR narratives.
• Deep knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC sanctions, and FinCEN requirements.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.