About the position
We are seeking an experienced and strategic compliance professional to serve as Director of Legislative and Regulatory Compliance - U.S., leading compliance strategy and execution across our issuer and merchant acquiring segments. This position plays a critical role within the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) function, with a focus on U.S. federal and state-level regulatory compliance, second-line monitoring, and cross-functional collaboration. The successful candidate will lead a team of compliance professionals, work closely with compliance leaders from other geographies, as well as, partnering with Legal, Risk, Product, and Technology functions, and provide strategic guidance to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations across the payments ecosystem. Experience with second-line compliance assurance, merchant acquiring compliance, issuer compliance, and web accessibility standards is strongly preferred. This is a leadership role responsible for driving enterprise compliance objectives, supporting governance committees, and contributing to a culture of compliance by design.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of U.S. legislative and regulatory compliance programs across the business.
- Ensure alignment with applicable federal and state laws and regulatory frameworks, including but not limited to: Reg B, Reg E, Reg Z, FCRA, UDAAP, FDCPA, SCRA, MLA, e-Sign, AML, and OFAC-related obligations.
- Monitor and interpret changes to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards; assess impact and oversee implementation of necessary compliance updates.
- Oversee the execution of second-line compliance monitoring activities, including targeted reviews, thematic assessments, and control validations.
- Provide subject matter expertise on compliance obligations related to web accessibility (WCAG/ADA standards) and assist in the governance of enterprise-level accessibility compliance programs.
- Oversee and coordinate compliance risk assessments, control evaluations, issue management, and regulatory horizon scanning to support enterprise risk reporting.
- Represent the compliance function during internal and external audits, client due diligence requests, and regulatory examinations.
- Serve as a strategic partner to business and product teams to embed compliance requirements into operational processes and product design ('in-flight' and 'by-design' approach).
- Develop and maintain compliance policies, procedures, training programs, and performance metrics that meet enterprise standards and external expectations.
- Work closely with the compliance teams from other geographies as well as with wider enterprise risk management functions.
- Build and maintain strong internal stakeholder relationships across legal, internal audit, product, and technology teams.
- Support cross-border and multi-regional compliance initiatives, in coordination with global counterparts.
- Manage team performance and development, including recruiting, mentoring, coaching, and succession planning.
- Contribute to broader risk governance efforts, including participation in executive-level risk committee meetings and board reporting.
Requirements
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant regulatory compliance experience, preferably within the payments or financial services sector.
- Demonstrated expertise in U.S. federal and state compliance requirements applicable to payment processing and credit card acquiring.
- Direct experience designing and leading second-line monitoring or assurance programs.
- Familiarity with web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, ADA) and their regulatory implications.
- Strong knowledge of enterprise risk management principles, especially within a regulated financial technology environment.
- Experience navigating regulatory exams, client audits, and regulatory relationship management.
- Proven ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into business-friendly solutions.
- Excellent leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience in regulatory reporting and executive presentation.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CRCM, CAMS, CIPP) preferred.
