Job Description

About Us:

VALR is Africa's largest crypto exchange by trade volume, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Serving over 1 million users globally, including 1,100 corporate and institutional clients, we’re licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, with additional approvals to offer services in Europe and initial approval from Dubai's VARA.

VALR distinguishes itself with a customer-first philosophy, delivering secure, transparent, and innovative solutions for both professional and retail traders.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a world where finance unites rather than divides. Our name, derived from the word "valour" without distinction between American and British English, symbolises our commitment to universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every human being. These values drive us to design a platform that breaks down financial barriers, making it as seamless to send value across borders as it is to send an email.

Our Mission

At our core, we’re a values-driven exchange, dedicated to building a financial ecosystem that serves all of humanity. We believe in simplifying the complex world of crypto and blockchain to make it accessible to everyone, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain-powered future.

We’re Dedicated To

Serving all Humanity: Inspired by the adage "it is expensive to be poor," we’re committed to creating a financial ecosystem accessible to all, challenging the status quo and reducing the frictions of outdated systems.
Promoting for Unity: Our platform reflects our belief in a socio-financial evolution. We envision a future where the global community is not defined by national boundaries but united by a shared vision of justice and prosperity.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience handling AML/CTF matters; MLRO experience is highly desirable.
At least 3 years of experience in a compliance role, preferably within the financial services or cryptocurrency sectors.
Familiarity with GoAML, CASPAR and Chainalysis (or similar cryptocurrency tracing software) is a plus.
Experience in the Maltese AML/CFT Framework working with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (PMLR), as well as the FIAU Implementing Procedures. Experience in MiCA is also highly desirable.
Prior experience in a leading financial institution, crypto asset service provider or payment service provider is highly preferred.
Maltese residency or a Malta passport is required.
Strong regulatory compliance focus with the ability to manage complex compliance issues effectively.
Solid experience in compliance management, with a practical, solution-oriented approach.
Passion for cryptocurrency and/or alternative financial systems, with up-to-date industry knowledge.

Job Responsibilities

MLRO

Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s AML/CTF policies and procedures in accordance with the PMLA, the PMLR’s, as well as the FIAU Implementing Procedures, and other relevant regulations.
Submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs) to FIAU within the required timelines.
Work with management and staff to ensure that the business implements and maintains suitable systems and controls to meet the AML/CTF requirements.
Lead the preparation and coordination of responses to requests submitted by regulatory authorities.
Maintain records of internal and external reports, take subsequent action and maintain records of reasons for submission / non-submission.
Liaise with law enforcement agencies and respond to requests and inquiries.
Act as a central contact point with the relevant AML regulators.
Receive and investigate internal suspicious reports and report external suspicious activity.
Liaise and collaborate with other teams to prepare data required for the submission of reports requested by regulators.
Ensure compliance with local law and regulations introduced by Maltese authorities.
Maintain and implement an AML/CTF training programme and ensure that the relevant VALR employees are adequately trained.
Periodic reporting to VALR Europe Limited’s Board and Country Head, including status updates on the AML/CTF risks, controls, and any gaps to be addressed.
Respond to information requests from regulators, law enforcement agencies, and FIAU.
Collaborate with internal teams (legal, compliance, risk, and operations) to enhance AML controls.
Advise senior management on AML compliance risks and recommend mitigating measures.
Perform any other duties and responsibilities required to ensure that VALR Europe Limited is compliant with applicable AML/CTF regulations.
Any other MLRO and compliance-related duties as mandated by law or required by the business from time to time.

Carry out the role of the Compliance Officer for VALR Europe Limited.
Ensure compliance with all European laws and regulations, including MiCA, the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2), relevant Maltese laws and regulations, and any other cryptocurrency-related legislation that may be enacted from time to time.
Keep up to date with all relevant regulatory changes in the European and Maltese markets and evolving best practices, and conduct gap and business impact analyses of these changes.
Monitor, analyse and interpret proposed regulatory changes, participate in public consultation processes, solicit and collate feedback from various departments, and compile comments for submission on behalf of VALR Europe Limited during the public consultation process.
Provide advice and guidance on proposed legislation and regulations, and how they may affect business operations, both locally and internationally.
Identify, evaluate and test the adequacy and effectiveness of compliance controls.
Develop the compliance monitoring plan and execute compliance monitoring reviews within defined timeframes.
Identify and manage internal compliance operational controls, and carry out regular independent reviews as required.
Identify, highlight, and manage regulatory risks, findings, and recommendations, whether internal or from independent reviews.
Report to and assist the Group Head of Compliance, Country Head & Global Compliance team.
Assisting with ad hoc projects, including policy drafting and reviews, ad hoc compliance submissions and/ or regulator requests.
Prepare compliance audit data by compiling and analysing internal information.
Internal and external stakeholder engagements at an operational and Board level, including liaising with regulatory authorities.
Develop and maintain relationships with regulatory authorities and stay abreast of changes in the regulatory environment and best practices.

Job Benefits

Innovative Work Environment
- Engage with the latest blockchain technologies and tools in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Work from anywhere with secure, stable internet connectivity, allowing you to create your ideal workspace.
Career Development
- Benefit from an annual professional development allowance alongside scheduled company training sessions to keep you at the forefront of the crypto industry.
Competitive Compensation
- Competitive salaries that align with industry standards.
- When you contribute to our success, you’ll be rewarded with discretionary bonuses, recognising your impact on VALR’s growth.
- Receive preferential Tier 5 trading fees on VALR, with no monthly trading volume required.
Diversity and Inclusion
- A commitment to fostering a diverse workforce with initiatives that promote equity and belonging.
Wellness
- Employees are encouraged to strive for coherent and wholesome lives, fulfilling their work, personal, social, physical and spiritual goals to the best of their abilities.
- Compliance with statutory leave required by individual countries, in addition to flexible leave options.
- Enjoy lunch on us when working from our Johannesburg Head Office, one of the ways we support wellbeing and connection in the workplace.
Impact and Contribution
- At VALR, we believe in a financial system that recognises the oneness of humanity. Our mission is to break down financial barriers and promote universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every individual.
- Engage in initiatives that promote education and awareness about cryptocurrencies, ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to participate in the evolving financial landscape.
Dynamic Team Culture
- Open communication and teamwork across departments, fostering innovation and creativity.
- Enjoy social gatherings outside of work to strengthen team bonds and boost morale.
Global Exposure
- Work with colleagues from around the world.
- Exposure to diverse perspectives and practices in the crypto space.
Recognition and Rewards
- Regular acknowledgement of employee accomplishments, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.
- Join us for retreats that blend professional development with team bonding in inspiring locations.
Tools for Success
- Receive a Mac laptop and a discretionary allowance to purchase all the extras needed for a productive home office—yours to keep after three years (terms and conditions apply).

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