Head of Risk

Paybis is a regulated crypto exchange and fintech company operating across Europe. As we prepare for MiCA and expand into new markets, we are seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Risk to build and lead our risk management function.

This is a foundational leadership role where you’ll shape our risk culture, frameworks, and readiness for the upcoming regulatory landscape. You will partner directly with the CEO, CTO, CCO, and Head of Legal to help scale the company responsibly — enabling growth while safeguarding operations.

• Design and lead a scalable Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework tailored to Paybis’ crypto and fintech operations.
• Define and embed the company’s risk appetite and tolerance, aligning with business objectives and regulatory expectations.
• Lead risk preparedness for MiCA, ensuring compliance with licensing, governance, capital, and disclosure requirements.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate enterprise risks across all business units, including operational, legal, compliance, technology, product, etc.
• Advise and challenge senior leadership with evidence-based risk insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Establish risk reporting protocols, including KRIs, dashboards, and risk registers. Own communication with auditors, regulators, and the board.
• Promote a proactive risk culture, embedding risk-thinking into daily operations and product development.

• 7–10+ years in risk, compliance, or audit roles within fintech, payments, or crypto; at least 2+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven experience designing and operationalizing risk frameworks in a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong expertise in MiCA and the EU crypto regulatory landscape. Experience with licensing processes (e.g., FNTT, FIU, MFSA, Central Bank of Latvia) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of ISO 31000, COSO, EBA Guidelines on Internal Governance, and DORA requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in quantitative risk analysis: scenario modeling, stress testing, and business continuity planning.
• Fluent English; additional regulatory languages (e.g., Polish, Latvian) are a plus.
• Certifications such as FRM, PRM, CISA, or equivalent are highly valued.

Regulatory Note:

This role must be held by an individual of good repute, with sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience as outlined in MiCA Article 67 and the EBA Guidelines on the assessment of the suitability of members of the management body and key function holders (EBA/GL/2021/06).

We’re looking for a leader who brings not just expertise, but clarity and influence. The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• Strategic & Regulatory thinking – can anticipate regulatory trends and translate them into scalable policies.
• Business partnership & influence – a true advisor to leadership, helping shape decisions rather than just reviewing them.
• Analytical mindset – applies both qualitative and quantitative risk thinking with confidence and structure.
• Agility & Change management – thrives in ambiguity; adapts quickly to evolving priorities and new regulations.
• Communication & Transparency – can clearly articulate complex risks to technical, non-technical, and external stakeholders without creating panic.

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
• Remote-first culture with flexibility and trust
• A chance to build the risk function from the ground up at a fast-scaling fintech company
• Close collaboration with executive leadership and real impact on strategic direction
• Travel opportunities for regulatory meetings and team offsites
• A dynamic, international team with strong product ownership and ambition
• Support for continuous learning and professional development

Interview Process

1. Stage 1: Technical & regulatory fit interview with CCO (1 hour)
2. Stage 2: Cultural fit interview with Head of HR (30 min)
3. Stage 3: Final interview with CEO (45 min)