Head of Compliance - Canada

Head of Compliance - Canada

Role
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Compliance for Canada to own our compliance function within the Canadian market. This role is critical in ensuring that the company meets all regulatory obligations while promoting a robust culture of compliance across the organisation. The successful candidate will act as the primary point of contact with Canadian regulators, including the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), and any relevant provincial regulators, overseeing all compliance-related activities in the region.

About Us
Sokin is a next-generation B2B financial services provider, enabling businesses to make and receive global payments with greater speed, lower cost, and total transparency. Our mission is simple: we’re simplifying global business - so businesses thrive wherever they choose to grow. We deliver services across:

• Global payments and receivables
• Foreign Exchange (FX)

• Treasury Management

• Finance Reconciliations

We are rapidly expanding, with established presence in EMEA, APAC, and North America,

Backed by a strong global infrastructure and industry-leading partners, we are redefining how businesses move money worldwide.

Our clients span industries from sports and entertainment to logistics and travel, and our community is growing rapidly. As we continue to expand, we’re building a team of exceptional people who share our ambition to transform the future of global payments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Canadian compliance function, ensuring alignment with all relevant laws, regulations, licence conditions, and internal compliance frameworks.
• Maintain and manage relationships with FINTRAC, OSFI, provincial regulators, and other relevant bodies, ensuring timely, transparent, and effective communication.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of compliance programs, including AML/ATF, KYC, privacy and data protection (PIPEDA and provincial equivalents), financial crime prevention, and risk management frameworks.
• Conduct regular compliance and risk assessments, ensuring appropriate systems and controls are in place to mitigate regulatory risks.
• Advise senior management and the board on compliance matters, regulatory expectations, and emerging trends in the Canadian regulatory landscape.
• Develop and deliver compliance training and awareness programs to ensure staff understand and adhere to their regulatory obligations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes, assessing their impact on the business and advising on required policy and procedural updates.
• Prepare, review, and submit mandatory reports and notifications to regulators, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to all statutory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including Legal, Risk, Finance, and Operations—to support business growth while maintaining compliance integrity.
• Lead and coordinate internal and external compliance reviews and audits, addressing findings promptly and effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related discipline; relevant certifications (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, CAMS, GRC, or local Canadian equivalents) are highly desirable.
• Extensive experience in a senior compliance role within a regulated financial institution or fintech in Canada.
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian financial services laws and regulations, including those administered by FINTRAC, OSFI, and obligations under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA), Bank Act, and PIPEDA.
• Proven experience managing relationships with Canadian regulators and handling regulatory reviews, audits, or enforcement interactions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and guide senior executives and board members.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and sound judgment, with the ability to operate effectively under pressure and in a fast-changing regulatory environment.

Please note, candidates will need to have the right to work in the jurisdiction that they are looking to work in.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. As a growing global startup, we value agility and flexibility in our working culture. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know.