Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)

Spearpoint Search • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) will lead the compliance function, ensuring that company operations, products, and services adhere to applicable regulatory standards worldwide. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CCO will develop and execute the compliance strategy, oversee risk assessments, and foster a culture of regulatory excellence across the organization.

The role oversees the company’s compliance framework and programs, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and works with teams across the business to integrate compliance into product development and go-to-market strategies. The CCO also serves as a primary liaison with regulators, auditors, and external legal counsel and reports to the board and executive committee.

The position is suited to a compliance leader with deep knowledge of global financial regulations, particularly those affecting cryptocurrency exchanges, and a record of building compliance programs in fast-growing, globally operating organizations. The role offers a competitive annual salary in pounds, performance-based bonuses, insurance coverage, paid time off, flexible arrangements including remote work options, equity participation, and a professional development budget.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Deep knowledge of global financial regulations, particularly those applicable to cryptocurrency exchanges, including FinCEN, FCA, ESMA, MAS, and APAC regulators.
• Demonstrated expertise in AML/CTF, sanctions compliance, data privacy, and securities law.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex regulatory texts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• High ethical standards and commitment to fostering a compliance-first culture.
• At least 8 years of compliance experience within financial services or the digital-asset sector.
• At least 3 years of experience in a senior leadership role.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree such as an LLM, MBA, or equivalent.
• Professional certification such as CAMS, CRCM, or equivalent.
• Proven track record of building and scaling compliance programs in fast-growing, globally operating organizations.
• Experience liaising with international regulatory authorities and managing cross-border compliance challenges.
• Exposure to cryptocurrency markets, token listings, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Background in risk management, internal audit, or legal advisory functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company’s compliance framework, policies, and procedures in line with global regulatory requirements.
• Lead the compliance team, providing mentorship, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify compliance gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor regulatory developments across jurisdictions, including AML, KYC, data protection, and securities law, and advise senior leadership on strategic implications.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, auditors, and external legal counsel, maintaining transparent and proactive communication.
• Oversee AML and CTF programs, including transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and sanctions screening.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, legal, and operations teams to embed compliance considerations into product development and go-to-market strategies.
• Design and deliver training programs to raise compliance awareness across the organization.
• Prepare and present regular compliance reports to the board of directors and executive committee.
• Manage responses to compliance breaches, including investigation, remediation, and reporting.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonuses tied to compliance milestones and overall company success.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options.
• Employee stock options or equity participation.
• Professional development budget for certifications, conferences, and training.
• Collaborative and innovative workplace culture focused on continuous improvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive