Head of Compliance, Derivatives MTF - Amsterdam Based

Head of Compliance – Derivatives MTF (EU Hub, Amsterdam)

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Department: Legal & Compliance

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer / Group Chief Compliance Officer

About Our Client

Our client is a fast-growing, technology-driven Derivatives Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) building its new European Union hub in Amsterdam. With a strong presence in the UK and global markets, the company is expanding into the EU to support its growth in regulated derivatives trading. The firm combines market innovation, transparency, and cutting-edge technology to provide institutional clients with robust access to derivatives liquidity across asset classes.

The Opportunity

As Head of Compliance (EU), you will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading the compliance function for the new Amsterdam entity. This is a strategic, first-line leadership role responsible for ensuring that the EU operations fully comply with MiFID II, EMIR, and ESMA regulatory requirements, while aligning with group standards and the firm’s global compliance framework.

You’ll be instrumental in building regulatory relationships in the Netherlands, supporting the MTF’s EU licensing process, and ensuring the firm’s ongoing compliance culture as the business scales across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Licensing & Framework
• Lead compliance workstreams for the establishment and authorisation of the new EU MTF.
• Design and implement compliance frameworks and policies in alignment with MiFID II and ESMA requirements.
• Engage with the AFM (Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets) and other relevant EU regulators throughout the application and supervision process.
• Governance & Oversight
• Act as the Compliance Officer and primary point of contact for regulatory matters in the EU.
• Advise senior management and the Board on compliance risks and regulatory developments.
• Oversee AML/CTF processes in line with EU and Dutch requirements.
• Monitoring & Reporting
• Develop and implement a compliance monitoring program.
• Manage regulatory reporting and ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Conduct internal training and awareness programs across the business.
• Strategic Collaboration
• Partner with group compliance, legal, risk, and operations teams to ensure a consistent control environment.
• Support new product approvals, trading initiatives, and cross-border activities.

Skills & Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in compliance within financial services, ideally in derivatives trading, MTF/OTF, or broker-dealer environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of MiFID II, EMIR, MAR, and related EU market regulations.
• Proven experience interacting with regulators (AFM, ESMA, FCA, or other EU national competent authorities).
• Experience establishing or leading compliance functions within new or expanding regulated entities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Fluency in English is essential; Dutch is advantageous but not required.

Why Join

• Be part of a pioneering project establishing a new regulated EU trading hub.
• Work at the intersection of technology, trading, and regulation in a rapidly evolving derivatives market.
• Join a high-calibre, entrepreneurial team shaping the next generation of market infrastructure.

Interested?

If you’re an experienced compliance leader ready to take ownership of a high-impact regulatory build-out, we’d love to hear from you.