Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)

Build and run the AML function from day one in a well-funded, AFSA-aligned payments business.

We’re hiring a hands-on MLRO in Astana to design, implement, and run the AML/CFT framework for a new, well-funded payments and money services business preparing to launch under AFSA regulation.

This is a senior AML role focused on building the compliance framework from scratch. The work is practical and decision-led, covering AML/CFT policies, client onboarding and risk assessment, transaction monitoring design and day-to-day operation, suspicious activity handling, and direct interaction with the regulator as the business launches and scales.

You’ll work closely with the Head of Compliance, who has extensive regulatory experience across international banks and regulated payment institutions. The role sits in a small, senior team and is tightly connected to real business and regulatory decisions.

This is not a box-ticking role or process inheritance. We’re looking for someone who takes ownership of AML/CFT, uses judgment, and helps protect the business while supporting compliant growth.

Role overview

• Build the AML function ground-up, aligned with AFSA expectations and real client activity

• Act as the primary AML/CFT contact for AFSA and the Financial Monitoring Agency

• Make high-impact decisions on client onboarding, risk management and suspicious activity reporting to the FMA

• Work in a very small team of global industry experts

• Engage with enterprise clients, including publicly listed companies

• Join a well-funded business with at least two years’ runway

What you’ll do

• Act as MLRO under AFSA AML/CFT & Sanctions Rules

• Own the day-to-day AML/CFT and sanctions function

• Lead CDD / EDD and high-risk onboarding decisions

• Manage transaction monitoring, investigations and SAR / STR filings to the FMA

• Serve as the main AML/CFT contact with AFSA and the FIU

• Maintain AML Policies, AML Procedures and Business Risk Assessment

• Lead AML regulatory reporting, audits and inspections

• Deliver practical AML training and escalate material risks

What we’re looking for

• 3+ years’ AML/CFT experience in regulated financial services

• Prior experience as MLRO or formally appointed Deputy MLRO

• Strong compliance experience, gained across banks and/or payment companies

• Solid knowledge of AFSA AML/CFT & Sanctions Rules and Kazakhstan AML/CFT requirements

• Comfortable operating independently in an early-stage, remote-first business

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken), suitable for regulatory engagement, policy drafting, and complex compliance discussions.

• Must be resident in Astana.

About us

We are a new, well-funded and ambitious payments and money services business working with enterprise clients, including publicly listed and regulated firms. Our founding team brings senior leadership experience from top-tier global payment companies and international banks.

Clients choose us for our international outlook, professionalism, and regulatory credibility. Our operating model is aligned with AFSA, pilot enterprise clients are ready to launch, and we expect to onboard our first clients this summer. We are intentionally small and focused on client service, regulatory quality, and sustainable growth.

We value smart people who take pride in their work and understand how it supports the business and our clients. We take a practical approach to innovation and expect everyone to be accountable for delivery. As a small team, every person matters: we care deeply about what we do and enjoys working together in a close-knit, dynamic team. We are direct, execution-focused, and client-obsessed.