Deputy Head of Compliance – Malta

Job description

### Who We Are At OKX, we believe crypto will help reshape the future and contribute to greater individual freedom. OKX is a leading crypto exchange and the developer of OKX Wallet, giving millions of customers access to crypto trading and decentralised applications. OKX is also trusted by institutions seeking secure access to crypto markets and is supported by its Proof of Reserves programme. Across our global offices, we are united by three core principles: We Before Me, Do the Right Thing, and Get Things Done. These values shape how we work and help us create a collaborative, rewarding and diverse environment for every OK-er. ### About the Team The Compliance function is responsible for promoting a strong compliance culture and supporting the safe, sustainable growth of OKX. We are a team of risk-minded problem solvers who advise the business on regulatory obligations, conduct expectations and enterprise risks. OKX Europe Limited operates within a significant EU regulatory perimeter, including authorisation as a crypto-asset service provider under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation and as a payment institution in Malta. ### About the Opportunity As Deputy Head of Compliance for OKX Europe Limited, you will support the Head of Compliance in leading the entity’s Compliance function and maintaining an effective compliance framework across its crypto-asset and payment services. You will oversee the day-to-day operation of key elements of the compliance programme, provide trusted advice to senior stakeholders and deputise for the Head of Compliance when required. You will help translate regulatory requirements into practical controls and ensure that compliance considerations are embedded in products, services and strategic decisions. The position reports to the Head of Compliance, OKX Europe Limited, with appropriate access to local senior management, Board committees and relevant regional and global Compliance leaders. ### What You’ll Be Doing You will: - **Leadership & Governance:** Support the Head of Compliance in managing the function, people, and annual plan, and deputise at management and committee meetings when required. - **Regulatory Advisory:** Provide commercially aware advice to Product, Engineering, Operations, Legal, and Risk teams on EU/Maltese regulations, including MiCA, payment services, DORA, and consumer protection. - **Framework & Product Reviews:** Maintain a risk-based framework for crypto-asset and payment activities. Conduct compliance reviews of customer journeys, disclosures, complaints, conflicts of interest, safeguarding, outsourcing, and operational resilience. - **Monitoring & Remediation:** Run the Compliance Monitoring Programme (thematic reviews, control testing). Oversee risk assessments, escalate breaches, and drive sustainable remediation. - **Regulatory Relations:** Assist in managing the relationship with the MFSA and other authorities, coordinating supervisory meetings, information requests, and accurate regulatory notifications/returns. - **Reporting:** Prepare high-quality reports on key risks, trends, breaches, and monitoring findings for senior management, Boards, and committees. - **Cross-Functional Defense:** Partner closely with the MLRO and Financial Crime teams (maintaining clear boundaries between regulatory and financial crime duties), as well as Risk and Internal Audit. - **Culture & Training:** Coach the Compliance team, deliver targeted training to directors and staff, and champion a culture where regulatory obligations and customer interests guide business decisions. ### What We Look For in You - **Experience & Education:** 5+ years of regulatory compliance experience in financial services, payments, fintech, or the crypto-asset sector, including a senior role. A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required. - **Subject Matter Expertise:** Deep working knowledge of MiCA, the EU regulatory framework for crypto-asset service providers, and EU payment-services regulation. - **Applied Compliance Skills:** Practical experience designing and operating compliance frameworks, monitoring programmes, and risk assessments, as well as advising on tech-led product development and regulatory change. - **Regulator Engagement & Fitness:** Proven track record of engaging with financial regulators and responding to supervisory reviews or inspections. Must possess the professional standing to satisfy regulatory fitness and propriety expectations and obtain necessary approvals. - **Leadership & Judgement:** Strong people-management skills to set priorities and coach teams. Highly ethical and independent, with the sound judgement to constructively challenge senior stakeholders and take principled positions. - **Communication & Global Collaboration:** Professional fluency in English with the ability to explain complex regulatory matters clearly and pragmatically. Comfortable working across functions, jurisdictions, and time zones in a fast-paced environment. ### Nice to Have - Previous experience within a regulated crypto-asset business, payment institution, electronic-money institution or digital bank. - Experience working in Malta or with the Malta Financial Services Authority. - Experience supporting or deputising for a regulated Head of Compliance or approved compliance officer. - Knowledge of EU regulatory requirements relating to safeguarding, stablecoins, outsourcing, operational resilience, consumer protection and cross-border passporting. - A relevant professional qualification from the International Compliance Association, ACAMS or an equivalent body. - A legal, accounting, risk-management or regulatory qualification. - Knowledge of and genuine enthusiasm for the crypto and digital-assets industry. ### Perks & Benefits - Competitive total compensation package. - Learning and development programmes and an education subsidy. - Team-building programmes and company events. - Wellness and meal allowances. - Comprehensive healthcare schemes for employees and dependants. - Additional benefits that we would be pleased to discuss during the recruitment process. ### OKX Statement OKX is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, colour, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, non-job-related physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. ### Notice: All official OKX vacancies are published on this website. While roles may appear on selected third-party platforms from time to time, information on other sites may be inaccurate or outdated. **If in doubt, please apply directly through our official careers website.** Information collected and processed as part of the recruitment process of any job application you choose to submit is subject to OKX's [Candidate Privacy Notice](https://www.okx.com/en-eu/help/okx-candidate-privacy-notice).