Head of Compliance (PCF-12)

Solance is the new tier in finance. We're a bold new player, specialised in helping clients with complex corporate structures access the kind of financial services they've always struggled to get. Think Credit Suisse's service DNA spliced with Revolut's tech genius; Solance is that hybrid, engineered for the best client experience you've ever had.  

As part of this journey, we’re searching for an exceptional Senior Compliance Manager / Head of Compliance (PCF-12), someone who thrives in complexity, thinks strategically, and understands that great compliance isn’t about slowing innovation, but enabling it responsibly. You will design, lead and operationalise the compliance framework that reinforces our authorisation with the Central Bank of Ireland, and ensures we meet ongoing regulatory expectations across payments, e-money and emerging digital asset models. 

Our EMI license is in progress and we're gearing up for launch in mid 2026. That means we're building Solance from scratch: processes, culture, products, and a brand that sets a whole new standard. If you're ambitious, hungry, and ready to step into a key role where you will help shape our future success, this could be the opportunity for you. 

• 5+ years’ experience in compliance roles within payments, fintech, e-money, banking or regulated financial services. 

• Strong knowledge of Irish and EU regulatory frameworks (PSD2, EMD, AMLD, Wire Transfer Regs, DORA, conduct and governance guidance) / UK and FCA relevant experience is a plus 

• Proven experience dealing with the Central Bank of Ireland, including inspections, remediation, supervisory dialogue or authorisation processes. 

• Experience designing and implementing compliance frameworks in technology-led, fast-moving fintech environments. 

• Strong capability to train, coach and influence at all organisational levels, including senior executives and Board members. 

• Excellent communication skills, high integrity and the ability to balance regulatory expectations with commercial and operational realities. 

• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., LCOI, ACOI, CFRCP, ICA, CAMS) or legal/finance backgrounds are desirable. 

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance Leadership 

• Lead the Compliance function as a stand-alone PCF-12, ensuring full adherence to all CBI regulatory obligations under PSD2, EMD, AMLD, DORA and cross-industry guidance. 

• Own, maintain and enhance the Compliance Framework (policies, controls, monitoring, testing and reporting). 

Policies, Frameworks & Quality Assurance 

• Develop, maintain and implement the suite of compliance and conduct policies. 

• Perform 2LoD quality control and thematic reviews of 1LoD processes to ensure controls are effective and proportionate. 

• Establish and operate the Regulatory Horizon Scanning process to ensure continuous regulatory readiness. 

Quality Control - AML/CTF & Financial Crime Oversight with MLRO 

• Support and work closely with the MLRO and Ops on AML/CTF obligations, including CDD/EDD standards, transaction monitoring oversight, financial crime controls and STR/SAR processes. 

• Participate in thematic reviews, uplift exercises and the remediation of identified gaps. 

Regulatory & Supervisory Reporting Management 

• Prepare and deliver responses, submissions, Management information and regulatory documentation to a high standard. 

Governance, Reporting & Advisory 

• Provide expert advice to senior management, the CRCO, Board and committees on compliance-related risk, emerging regulatory expectations and governance considerations. 

• Prepare high-quality compliance Management Information, KPIs, trend analysis and thematic insights for the SLT, ARC and Board. 

Training, Coaching & Culture Building 

• Deliver compliance training and coaching across all functional levels: including Board, Senior Leadership Team, product, engineering, operations and customer teams. 

• Reinforce a strong culture of ethical conduct and compliance awareness, ensuring proportionality and clarity for different audiences. 

• Act as a trusted advisor embedded across cross-functional initiatives, product changes and operational processes. 

Cross-Functional Partnership 

• Provide compliance sign-off and guidance for new products, services, processes, outsourcing arrangements and control design. 

• Support technology teams in translating regulatory requirements into operational and technical specifications. 

• Participate in risk assessments, change programmes and incident management oversight. 

Stand-Alone Role Expectations 

• Operate independently as the PCF-12 while leveraging cross-team collaboration. 

• Support the management of outsourced partners, advisory firms and vendors where compliance expertise or capacity is supplemented. 

• Ensure strong documentation, evidence, version control and audit readiness across all compliance activities.