Head of Compliance

First Circle

Head of Compliance responsible for managing BSP regulations, compliance programs, and regulatory relationships in a hybrid workplace. Leading a team to ensure adherence to compliance policies and procedures.

Posted 5/21/2026full-timeTaguig • 🇵🇭 PhilippinesLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary point of contact for all BSP examinations, inquiries, and correspondence
Monitor and interpret BSP circulars, memoranda, and issuances; translate these into actionable internal policies
Ensure timely and accurate submission of all regulatory reports (MORB, and related submissions)
Proactively build and maintain a strong, professional relationship with BSP examiners
Design, implement, and continuously improve the bank's compliance framework, policies, and procedures
Lead the annual compliance risk assessment and testing calendar
Manage the bank's AMLA/CTF program end-to-end from KYC/CDD to STR/CTR filing with the AMLC
Ensure compliance with BSP regulations on consumer protection, data privacy (NPC), and financial inclusion mandates
Own the bank's complete MORB compliance program — mapping all applicable regulations to internal policies, procedures, and controls
Maintain a master regulatory inventory tracking every MORB requirement applicable to the bank, with clear owners, deadlines, and status
Lead the periodic review and updating of all bank policies required under the MORB — including but not limited to credit, treasury, IT security, anti-fraud, consumer protection, and risk management policies
Ensure all policies are board-approved, properly documented, and reviewed on schedule; flag gaps or outdated provisions proactively
Drive the bank's self-assessment against MORB standards ahead of BSP examinations — no surprises
Translate MORB updates and new BSP circulars into concrete policy changes, and shepherd those changes through the approval process from drafting to board sign-off
Collaborate with department heads to ensure their operating procedures are aligned with MORB requirements — and actually followed on the ground
Partner with the tech and product teams on digital banking initiatives, ensuring BSP's e-money, digital payments, and cybersecurity regulations are met from day one
Review and clear new products, channels, and partnerships before launch
Act as the compliance conscience in the product development process — pushing back where needed, but always offering a compliant alternative
Champion a culture where compliance is a business enabler, not a bottleneck
Train and upskill staff across branches on compliance requirements
Report directly to the President/CEO and the Board's Risk and Compliance Committee

Requirements

What you’ll need

5-7 years of banking compliance experience, with meaningful exposure to BSP-regulated entities
Deep working knowledge of BSP regulations (MORB, MORNBFI), AMLA law, and BSP's digital banking framework
Track record of managing BSP examinations and regulatory relationships
Strong problem-solving instinct
High ownership mentality; comfortable with ambiguity and working without a large team under you (yet)
Exposure to rural banking, microfinance, or financial inclusion programs in Visayas or similar markets
Familiarity with compliance tech tools, RegTech, or core banking systems
Experience reviewing or clearing digital product launches
You're comfortable with iteration. Policies don't need to be perfect on day one
You default to systems and documentation, not tribal knowledge
You move with urgency and own your timelines
You communicate clearly with both regulators and engineers.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work set-up: 2 days per week in our BGC office; remote the rest of the time.
Benefits: HMO coverage from month one, free catered lunches, monthly fitness, transportation, and accommodation allowance, and more.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

banking complianceBSP regulationsAMLA lawMORB complianceKYCCDDSTR filingCTR filingregulatory reportingrisk assessment

Soft Skills

problem-solvingownership mentalityadaptabilitycommunicationcollaborationtrainingleadershipproactive approachattention to detailurgency