Compliance Manager

About the role

In this position, you will oversee Affirm's compliance initiatives within Australia, ensuring that all local regulations are strictly followed. Your role will involve adapting global compliance strategies into practical, localized plans that support the company's growth while protecting consumer interests. You will be instrumental in fostering a culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the organization.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the development and maintenance of the compliance framework specific to Australian consumer credit and financial services, ensuring alignment with relevant laws and licensing requirements.
• Regularly update compliance documentation to reflect changes in Australian credit licensing and the regulatory environment.
• Act as the primary liaison with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), managing all examinations and responding to information requests.
• Ensure that all regulatory notifications and reports are submitted accurately and on time.
• Keep a comprehensive register of regulatory obligations in Australia and perform compliance risk assessments to identify potential issues.
• Prioritize remediation efforts by conducting root-cause analyses and overseeing the implementation of corrective actions to address compliance failures.
• Monitor key compliance metrics related to responsible lending practices, product oversight, consumer complaints, and overall consumer outcomes.
• Evaluate compliance incidents and breaches to determine their reportability and escalate significant risks as necessary.
• Develop and implement local compliance plans that align with Australian laws and regulatory priorities, ensuring proactive management of compliance risks.
• Prepare detailed reports for executive leadership and governance committees to inform them of compliance status and any emerging issues.
• Manage the process of regulatory change by identifying new requirements, ensuring their implementation, and maintaining compliance throughout the organization.
• Assess and recommend improvements to existing governance structures to enhance compliance effectiveness.
• Collaborate with various internal departments, including Product, Legal, Credit, Marketing, and Engineering, to ensure compliance is integrated into all business initiatives.
• Provide actionable regulatory advice and guidance on new products and business strategies to ensure compliance is maintained.
• Influence compliance-related decisions that affect the company's strategy in Australia, customer experiences, and product risk management.
• Lead and develop a compliance team in Australia, driving continuous improvement within the compliance program.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in regulatory compliance within the Australian financial services, consumer credit, payments, or fintech industries.
• Proven experience in managing teams is essential for this role.
• In-depth knowledge of Australian consumer credit laws, conduct regulations, ASIC expectations, credit licensing, responsible lending, product governance, and breach reporting.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical solutions that can be implemented within the business.
• Demonstrated experience in leading compliance initiatives, managing obligations, and conducting compliance monitoring and breach processes.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills are critical for this position.
• Ability to effectively influence senior stakeholders and communicate clearly with executive audiences.
• Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic fintech environment.
• A Bachelor's degree is required for this role.

Nice to have

• A relevant qualification in law, compliance, risk management, governance, or financial services would be advantageous.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in regulatory interpretation and application
• Expertise in risk assessment and management
• Strong program management skills
• Effective stakeholder management capabilities
• Excellent executive communication skills
• Proven team leadership abilities

Practical notes

• Base Pay Grade
• L
• Equity Grade
• Australia 5
• Base salary range: AUD $135,000 - $205,000 annually.
• Affirm offers a comprehensive total compensation package, which may include monthly stipends for health, wellness, and technology expenses, along with additional benefits.
• Benefits include full medical coverage, dental, and vision for employees and their dependents at no cost.
• Employees may qualify for equity rewards as part of their compensation.
• Affirm operates as a remote-first organization, allowing flexibility in work arrangements.
• The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the hiring process.