Head of Compliance

Sphere Laboratories, Inc.

5d•$180,000 - $220,000•Remote

About The Position

Sphere Labs is seeking an experienced Head of Compliance to build, mature, and lead their compliance program in a fast-paced, crypto-native environment. This role will partner closely with the product and engineering teams to automate the existing program into a scalable solution that is highly embedded into the day-to-day operations of the business. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a decisive operator who can write SOPs, work cross-functionally with Product and Ops to design guardrails for new business lines, manage a compliance program at scale (including nested onboarding flows with integrator/partner relationships), and mentor others. The ideal candidate will combine deep AML/KYC/KYB expertise with a strong international regulatory background.

Requirements

Proven experience building or significantly maturing a compliance program from the ground up, ideally within crypto, fintech, or financial services.
Track record of meeting compliance SLAs and operating with strong, auditable rigor.
Experience managing a compliance program at scale, including nested/multi-layer onboarding flows involving integrator or partner relationships.
Strong, hands-on knowledge of AML, KYC, and KYB frameworks and regulatory requirements.
Direct experience with transaction monitoring systems and alert disposition/investigation processes.
Demonstrated experience conducting investigations and filing SARs.
Crypto-native — deep familiarity with digital assets, blockchain transactions, and the unique compliance challenges of the crypto industry.
Highly decisive, with the judgment to make timely calls in ambiguous or high-stakes situations.
Ability to write clear, effective SOPs and translate policy into practice.
Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with Risk, Product, Ops, and Sales teams.
Excellent judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate independently in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

Evaluate the existing compliance program, identify gaps in adoption and execution, and scale it into a program that is well-used, well-understood, and embedded across the business.
Evaluate the risks associated with new geographic areas, and enhance the existing program to account for those findings.
Write clear, actionable Standard Operating Procedures that translate policy into repeatable, auditable day-to-day practice.
Partner with Product and Operations to identify compliance requirements for new initiatives before they launch.
Own and manage the organization's daily compliance activities, ensuring consistent application of policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Review, investigate, and disposition alerts generated by the transaction monitoring system, ensuring timely and well-documented decisions.
Work closely and collaboratively with the Risk, Compliance, Product and Operations teams to align on system design, alert logic, thresholds, and escalation processes.
Support the handling of complaints filed with regulatory bodies, ensuring timely, accurate, and well-documented responses.
Partner with the Sales team on customer onboarding to ensure new relationships meet compliance and risk standards from day one.
Support law enforcement inquiries and requests, ensuring appropriate handling, documentation, and legal coordination.
Lead internal investigations into suspicious activity and prepare and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Train, mentor, and develop current and future junior compliance team members, building a strong bench of compliance talent.