Responsable Conformité, LCB-FT

Overview

Lead Compliance / MLRO role within a fast-growing fintech, reporting to the Director of Compliance and Risk. You will design and implement the compliance framework for a combined payment services and financing perimeter, ensuring alignment with French and European regulatory requirements (AML/CFT, customer protection, fraud management).

Context

We are building a greenfield regulatory project with high autonomy and responsibility, with direct exposure to regulators and the chance to shape the compliance function and culture within a growing fintech with a strong existing customer base. Focus areas include licensing as an Etablissement de paiement and Societe de financement and onboarding new customers by early 2027 while migrating existing ones.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the compliance framework, risk controls, and permanent controls for a combined payment services and financing perimeter.
• Act as the point of contact for the regulator on AML/CFT (LCB-FT) and TRACFIN matters.
• Build and lead the compliance team and collaborate with the group compliance function (e.g., GDPR and ethics) while maintaining independence as a control function.
• Lead AML/CFT program activities (MLRO): filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), oversee KYC/KYB procedures, risk scoring, transaction monitoring, and sanctions/PEP screening; chair the AML/CFT Committee and report to the Board.
• Keep the AML/CFT framework up to date with AMLD6, EBA guidelines, and ACPR requirements.
• Design, implement, and maintain policies and procedures (AML/CFT, compliance manual, internal frameworks) and ensure accessibility and clear communication across the organization.
• Review and formally approve all new products and significant changes prior to launch, including through M&A, and issue formal opinions to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Build, maintain, and update the non-compliance risk map and provide executive-level summaries for governance bodies.
• Lead second-level permanent controls related to compliance and ensure first-level controls are operational and effective.
• Own compliance-related systems (AML/CFT transaction monitoring and alerting tools); define functional requirements and ensure regulatory alignment for any new or updated systems.
• Deliver compliance training programs and provide advisory support to employees.
• Monitor regulatory developments and disseminate updates across the organization.
• Collaborate with the Lead Controls & Risks Officer and provide regular management reporting to the Director of Compliance & Risk and the Supervisory Board.
• Interact with product counsel to ensure AML/CFT compliance for new products and activities at launch.
• Participate in recruiting and managing a high-performing team and establish clear roles, responsibilities, and KPIs; foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and auditability.

Profile & Must-Have Experience

• 8 to 10+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, with significant exposure to a payment institution, bank, credit institution, or regulated fintech.
• Proven track record as MLRO or designated AML/CFT officer.
• Strong knowledge of the regulatory framework applicable to payment institutions and financing companies (PSD2, PSD3, DORA, AMLD, ACPR regulations).
• Deep expertise in AML/CFT frameworks (KYC/KYB, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening).
• Experience as business owner for compliance tools and ability to bridge compliance requirements with IT/product teams.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex regulatory texts in both French and English.
• Ability and passion to build from scratch: frameworks, policies, processes, tools, reporting.
• Fluent in French and English.

Technical Skills

• AML/CFT frameworks (KYC/KYB, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening).
• Experience as business owner for compliance tools and ability to bridge compliance requirements with IT/product teams.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex regulatory texts in French and English.
• Ability to design, implement, and maintain regulatory frameworks, policies, and reporting.

Soft Skills

• Leadership and the ability to influence
• Excellent communication across Board, regulators, and operational teams
• Rigorous, principled, and accountable
• Pragmatic, impact-driven, and capable of operating under regulatory constraints without blocking innovation
• Dual posture of control and advisory with clear boundaries
• Pedagogy: ability to explain complex regulatory topics in simple terms
• Constructive challenge of senior leaders with a solution-oriented mindset

Languages, Presence & Location

• Languages: fluent French and English (daily work and ACPR/TRACFIN interaction in French; internal and investor dialogue in English).
• Location: Based in France, with a strong preference for Paris. Regular on-site presence in Paris is expected; partial remote is possible, but not fully remote.

Why Join Us

• Greenfield regulatory project: be the architect of a new regulated entity from license application to rollout.
• Massive impact: shape financial services delivery to hundreds of thousands of French SMEs.
• High autonomy and influence: direct, regular interaction with the Director of Compliance & Risk; key role in risk governance.
• Fast-growing fintech environment: work with top-tier product and engineering teams.
• Help invent the next generation of SME financial services within a modern compliance and risk framework.
• Competitive compensation, including equity aligned with impact and responsibility.

What Do We Do to Make Your Work Life Easier

• 25 vacation days paid by Pennylane
• Competitive compensation package
• Company shares
• Budget for home workspace and monthly coworking space allowance
• Gym access through Gymlib and wellness activities
• Latest Apple equipment
• Eligibility for remote work within Europe and within two hours time difference from CET
• Regular company events (Tech Days, annual seminar)
• For France-based employees: 6-12 RTT, 5 weeks PTO, lunch credits, Alan Blue healthcare, and city events

Who Are We Looking For?

• To thrive at Pennylane you should be able to speak English (level assessed per department)
• Be energized by a shifting work environment
• Be highly collaborative and able to prioritize business-led actions
• Will have enough experience to prioritize effectively

Important information for candidates

Recruitment scam awareness and official channels only. Verify sender addresses and never share payment or financial information during recruitment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and provide equal employment opportunities.