Senior Compliance Manager

About the Role

Lean Technologies KSA, a major payment institution authorized by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), is searching for an experienced Senior Compliance Manager. This leader will oversee and direct all compliance-related functions ensuring full adherence to SAMA's regulatory framework. Serving as the primary liaison with regulators, the position involves embedding compliance principles throughout the product development process. The role encompasses holding both the approved Compliance Officer and AML/Financial Crime Officer (MLRO) positions within Lean KSA, as well as heading compliance initiatives related to new payment services and payment initiation licence applications. This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned compliance expert passionate about fintech and aiming to influence the growth of one of Saudi Arabia's fastest expanding fintech companies.

The role reports directly to Lean KSA's Board of Directors and its Governance, Legal, Risk and Compliance Committee (GLRCC). Day-to-day reporting lines include the Group Chief Legal, Risk and Compliance Officer and the CEO administratively. Responsibilities include delivering quarterly compliance and financial crime reports directly to senior governance bodies, and supervising the KSA Compliance Officer.

Company Overview

Lean is the top financial infrastructure provider in the Middle East, facilitating payment, account verification, and financial data access via APIs for some of the region’s largest enterprises. Originally pioneering open banking in the region, Lean has evolved into a multi-product infrastructure firm powering payments, data, and lending services across MENA. The company is backed by major investors and partners with over 350 clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain comprehensive compliance policies that align with the Law of Payments and Payment Services, SAMA’s Open Banking and Counter-Fraud Frameworks, the Financial Consumer Protection Principles, and all applicable KSA regulations.
• Continuously monitor regulatory developments from SAMA, SDAIA, and other authorities, translating changes into actionable business guidance.
• Manage the annual KSA Compliance Plan and risk assessment, reporting quarterly to the GLRCC and Board.
• Coordinate and lead SAMA supervisory visits, inspections, and compliance audits ensuring clear communication and resolution of any findings.
• Implement and operate a risk-based Compliance Monitoring Program and scheduled testing across KSA operations.
• Fulfill the roles of SAMA-approved Compliance Officer and AML/Financial Crime Officer, overseeing AML/CFT programs including customer due diligence, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting to SAFIU.
• Administer compliance with SAMA’s Counter-Fraud Framework through reporting, remediation, governance, and anti-fraud technology oversight.
• Manage SAMA’s approved-persons processes including submissions and notifications for board and senior positions.
• Collaborate with the Data Protection Officer to ensure compliance with PDPL and SDAIA requirements related to personal data aligned with SAMA obligations.
• Provide regulatory compliance expertise to various business units, including pre-launch regulatory reviews of new products and client segments.
• Maintain current knowledge of the KSA regulatory landscape, advising senior leadership for strategic decision-making.
• Build and nurture relationships with SAMA and relevant industry groups, keeping ahead of evolving requirements.
• Lead licence applications, service additions, and non-objection requests, including maintaining detailed regulatory correspondence documentation.
• Deliver accurate and timely regulatory and management reporting including SAMA’s Open Banking and Counter-Fraud reports, SAFIU filings, incident notifications, and board-level compliance updates.
• Supervise the Consumer Protection and Complaint Handling framework, including compliance with SAMA reporting requirements.
• Oversee compliance aspects of outsourcing, third-party risk management, and related notifications under the Open Banking Framework.
• Develop and deliver compliance and financial crime training programs for staff and the Board.
• Manage and grow the KSA Compliance Officer team in line with licence expansion.

Candidate Profile & Requirements

• At least 6 years of compliance experience within financial services, including substantial exposure within SAMA-regulated organizations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of KSA financial regulations applicable to fintech, payments, and open banking providers, including relevant laws and frameworks.
• Proven ability to build and operationalize compliance programs and policies from inception.
• Experience in managing SAMA regulatory inspections, audits, and liaison activities.
• Fulfill SAMA’s Fit and Proper standards; appointment contingent on obtaining SAMA’s written non-objection (possession of prior approval is advantageous).
• Pursuit or possession of recognized compliance certifications such as CAMS or equivalent AML/financial crime qualifications.
• Highly desirable experience in licence application preparation, counter-fraud frameworks, and anti-fraud technologies.
• Strong analytical aptitude with keen attention to detail, capable of interpreting complex regulatory requirements and implementing effective controls.
• Fluent communication skills in Arabic and English, both spoken and written.
• Capacity to work autonomously and manage several regulatory projects concurrently under commercial pressure.
• Must be a Saudi national as required for AML/CFT function holders under SAMA rules.