Senior Merchant Underwriter

About the role

You will perform in-depth risk assessments on merchant applications to determine their eligibility for onboarding and ongoing relationships. This role requires a high level of independent judgment when evaluating complex risk scenarios across regulated and unregulated sectors. You will act as the primary underwriting authority for standard applications while leading the analysis for high-risk verticals that demand executive level recommendations. Your work will directly influence the security and integrity of the transaction ecosystem. You will translate nuanced risk signals into clear, actionable decisions for stakeholders. This position is central to scaling Coinflow's compliance infrastructure responsibly.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct new business underwriting by scrutinizing merchant applications to verify legal operation, adherence to card scheme rules, and alignment with Coinflow's defined risk appetite.
• Execute comprehensive backbook and portfolio reviews by reassessing existing merchants through updated licenses, legal opinions, and financial statements to detect shifts in compliance status.
• Lead alert investigation procedures by analyzing chargeback spikes, ACH return patterns, and other risk indicators to identify emerging threats.
• Drive process and efficiency projects by identifying bottlenecks in underwriting workflows and implementing tooling improvements that increase scalability.
• Guide regulatory and scheme adaptation efforts by updating internal policies in response to new card partner requirements, legislative changes, and regional expansion triggers.
• Design and implement risk mitigation strategies by setting conditions such as reserves, transaction caps, and enhanced monitoring frameworks for approved merchants.
• Partner cross-functionally with Compliance, Product, Engineering, and Operations to develop integrated underwriting solutions that support sustainable growth.
• Synthesize complex data sets into concise narratives that support executive decision-making on merchant acceptance and risk posture.
• Maintain strict adherence to policy standards while exercising discretion in grey areas where rules intersect with business realities.
• Own the documentation and rationale behind underwriting decisions to ensure auditability and consistency in risk outcomes.

Requirements

• Bring a minimum of 4 years of experience in fintech, payments, banking, or financial services underwriting roles.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of payment processing mechanics, merchant acquiring structures, and transaction risk frameworks.
• Show familiarity with evaluating high regulatory risk business models, including those related to crypto, remittance, real money gaming, and prediction markets.
• Provide a proven track record of meeting service level agreements and consistently achieving performance expectations.
• Highlight strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, construct models, and make evidence based decisions.
• Communicate effectively in fast moving, ambiguous environments while maintaining clarity and professionalism.
• Exhibit proficiency in spreadsheet software such as Excel or Google Sheets for data modeling, trend analysis, and synthesis of merchant processing data.

Nice to have

• Experience working with transaction monitoring systems and case management platforms.
• Competency with SQL and business intelligence tools like Tableau or Looker.
• Background in high growth payment companies that have scaled underwriting operations rapidly.
• Interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain analytics expertise, specifically with tools such as Chainalysis, Merkle, Elliptic, or TRM Labs.
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree that demonstrates foundational knowledge in a relevant discipline.

Practical notes

The role is based in Chicago, Illinois, and is offered as a full time engagement. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite with the team in a professional office environment. No specific hours are outlined, but the position requires availability during standard business hours for collaborative discussions and timely response to risk alerts. This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid arrangements unless explicitly stated in internal policy. Travel is not required as part of the core responsibilities for this role. No visa sponsorship is indicated at this time, and candidates must ensure they possess the right to work in the United States. The posting remains open until the position is filled, and early application is encouraged due to the volume of qualified candidates expected.

Why Join Coinflow

You will build the financial crimes program from the ground up, gaining executive visibility as the framework matures. The role presents a high growth opportunity where your responsibilities can expand alongside the company's scaling journey. You will engage in cutting edge work at the intersection of compliance, crypto, and innovative payment technology. The compensation package includes a competitive base salary, equity grant, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional development support. You will join a collaborative culture populated by talented, mission driven individuals who are building the future of global payments.