Director, Payments Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Payments Compliance & Regulatory Affairs based in Canada.
In this remote leadership-level individual contributor role, you will take ownership of the regulatory compliance framework for a fast-growing fintech operating across payments, card issuing, and financial services. You will play a key role in ensuring compliance with Canadian payments regulations, anti-money laundering requirements, consumer protection legislation, and card network standards. Working at the intersection of regulation, technology, and financial innovation, you will translate complex legal requirements into practical policies, controls, and operational processes. You will collaborate closely with Legal, Risk, Product, Engineering, Finance, and external regulatory stakeholders to support business growth while managing regulatory exposure. You will also contribute to the development of new products, strengthen governance practices, and oversee compliance monitoring and reporting. This is an opportunity to shape a growing compliance function, take meaningful ownership, and influence the regulatory foundations of an evolving payments ecosystem.
Accountabilities
Build, maintain, and continuously improve the regulatory compliance framework covering payment services, card issuing, and safeguarding of end-user funds.
Ensure compliance with applicable Canadian regulatory requirements, including the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA), Retail Payment Activities Regulations (RPAR), and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) obligations under the PCMLTFA.
Monitor regulatory developments, including provincial consumer protection requirements and card network rules, and translate changes into actionable internal policies, procedures, and controls.
Support the RPAA Senior Officer with Bank of Canada regulatory filings, annual reporting, incident notifications, and other supervisory obligations.
Interpret and operationalize Payments Canada by-laws, rules, standards, and notices affecting payment flows, including ACSS, Lynx, and the Real-Time Rail (RTR).
Review cardholder agreements, customer disclosures, and fee structures to ensure compliance with applicable consumer protection and transparency requirements.
Manage relationships with regulators, card networks, and Payments Canada, including responding to regulatory consultations and supporting joint discovery initiatives.
Work closely with Legal, Risk, and external counsel on regulatory inquiries, card network compliance matters, and the compliance implications of new product launches.
Support compliance due diligence requests from clients, investors, banking partners, and other stakeholders.
Maintain the organization's compliance training program and promote awareness of regulatory responsibilities across teams.
Monitor the effectiveness of the AML/CTF program, including transaction monitoring processes and regulatory reporting obligations.
Oversee annual Visa and Mastercard compliance attestations, network registrations, Bank Identification Number (BIN) and licensing obligations, and the network compliance calendar.
Maintain accurate records of regulatory obligations, regulatory changes, and incidents across Canada and the United States, including supporting privacy-related regulatory reporting.
Develop and execute a compliance monitoring and testing plan, establish key risk indicators, and provide regular reporting to compliance committees and the Board.
Review and approve new products, services, and operational changes from a regulatory compliance perspective.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
At least 6 years of experience in regulatory compliance, regulatory affairs, or risk management within financial services, fintech, or the payments industry.
Practical knowledge of the Canadian Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA) and Retail Payment Activities Regulations (RPAR), or experience with comparable payments regulatory frameworks.
Experience in payments compliance, ideally involving card issuing, prepaid products, payment processing, or money services businesses.
Strong understanding of AML/CTF requirements under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA).
Ability to interpret legislation, regulatory guidance, card network rules, and legal agreements, translating complex requirements into clear, practical policies and procedures.
Strong analytical, organizational, and written communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple regulatory workstreams and deadlines independently.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, particularly when explaining complex compliance matters to non-specialists across Product, Engineering, Finance, and other business functions.
A proactive, detail-oriented approach, with a strong commitment to building sustainable processes, effective controls, and well-documented compliance practices.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving fintech environment while balancing regulatory requirements with commercial priorities.
Additional assets:
Professional compliance certification, such as CAMS, ICA, or CRCM, or progress toward obtaining one.
Previous experience engaging directly with the Bank of Canada, OSFI, or other financial regulators.
Experience preparing compliance reports and presenting regulatory matters to Boards or investors.
Familiarity with US payments regulations, including money transmitter licensing and Regulation Z.
Knowledge of Operational Risk Management (ORM), including risk assessments, control testing, incident management, and risk reporting.
Benefits:
Competitive annual base salary:
CAD $150,000–$200,000, depending on skills, experience, and seniority. Exceptional candidates may be considered above the stated range.
Equity compensation, offering an opportunity to participate in the company's growth.
Remote-first working environment, with collaboration aligned to the Eastern Time Zone.
Comprehensive health insurance plan.
Paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance.
Opportunity to take meaningful ownership of the compliance framework and shape internal policies, processes, and standards.
Collaborative, innovation-driven environment where AI is embraced as a productivity multiplier.
Opportunity to work at the intersection of fintech, payments, technology, and regulatory innovation.
Individual contributor position with no direct reports, offering hands‑on responsibility and strategic influence.
We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!
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