Compliance Head & MLRO, Pakistan

OKX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange and developer of the OKX Wallet, providing millions of users access to crypto trading and decentralized applications. Trusted by numerous large institutions, OKX prides itself on safety and reliability, supported by its Proof of Reserves. With a global presence, the company is driven by core values of teamwork, integrity, and execution, fostering a diverse and rewarding work environment. As part of the OKG group, OKX delivers blockchain value worldwide through its innovative products.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute compliance professional to join us as Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). This role is critical in establishing a robust compliance program from the ground up and embedding a culture of compliance across the organization. The position will evolve to include broader team management responsibilities related to regulatory strategy, operational execution, and governance.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Engagement: Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with governance requirements, including fit and proper assessments for approved personnel. Monitor and interpret regulatory changes affecting virtual assets, advising senior management and the Board accordingly.

Compliance Program Development & Management: Design and maintain a comprehensive compliance framework aligned with local laws, FATF recommendations, and international best practices for virtual asset service providers (VASPs). Develop and update policies covering AML/CFT, KYC, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, data protection, cybersecurity, and client asset safeguarding. Oversee compliance monitoring, conduct gap analyses, and report findings to senior leadership. Integrate compliance into new product development, reviewing technical documentation and user journeys to mitigate risks. Establish policies for advertising, social media, influencer partnerships, and product launches, collaborating with Legal, Product, and Marketing teams to ensure timely reviews of client-facing materials.

AML/CFT & MLRO Duties: Serve as the designated MLRO, overseeing the AML/CFT framework. Review internal Suspicious Transaction Reports and decide on external disclosures. Continuously improve transaction monitoring and sanctions screening processes, ensuring compliance with global and local sanctions lists. Manage customer risk scoring and enhanced due diligence for high-risk clients, politically exposed persons, and customers from high-risk jurisdictions.

Governance & Culture: Provide compliance insights as a senior leadership team member on new products, services, and partnerships. Promote a strong compliance culture through training and communication. Design and deliver AML/CFT training programs, maintain completion records, and advise the Board on compliance resourcing, including staffing and budget. Maintain compliance manuals, risk registers, and oversee incident escalation and resolution.

Reporting & Recordkeeping: Prepare and submit regulatory reports within deadlines. Ensure proper maintenance of compliance records, SAR documentation, KYC files, and transaction monitoring data. Support regulatory inspections and examinations.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field is required, with postgraduate qualifications considered advantageous. Professional certifications in compliance or AML, such as CAMS, ICA Certificate/Diploma, or CFE, are strongly preferred.

Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of experience in compliance, AML, or financial crime prevention, including at least three years in a senior or leadership role. Experience within virtual asset service providers, cryptocurrency exchanges, fintech firms, or regulated financial institutions is essential. Prior MLRO or Deputy MLRO experience and direct engagement with financial regulators and intelligence units are highly desirable. Proven ability to build compliance programs in start-up or scaling environments and familiarity with regional regulatory frameworks are important.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Strong knowledge of FATF Recommendations, including the Travel Rule, and crypto-specific AML typologies is essential. Proficiency with blockchain analytics and transaction monitoring tools such as Chainalysis, Elliptic, or TRM Labs is required. Excellent communication skills in English and Urdu, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to engage effectively with regulators and law enforcement are important. High integrity and sound professional judgment are expected.

Additional advantages include experience in multinational financial institutions, compliance technology, multi-jurisdictional oversight, and deep understanding of crypto products like spot trading, derivatives, DeFi, and stablecoins.

Perks & Benefits

The role offers a competitive compensation package, learning and development programs, education subsidies, and various team-building activities. OKX is committed to employee growth and a supportive work environment.

Candidates should be prepared for fit and proper assessments, background checks, and regulatory compliance as part of the hiring process. All official vacancies are posted on the OKX careers website to ensure accuracy and transparency.