Head of Financial Crime & MLRO

About Paytm EuropeMerchants deserve better from their payments provider: fairer pricing, faster settlement, easier tools, and support from a partner that understands their business. Paytm Europe Payments S.A., is being established in Luxembourg, backed by One97 Communications Limited, one of India's largest fintech groups, with the ambition of transforming how SMEs across Europe accept and manage payments. Following launch in Luxembourg, the business will expand into Germany, the Netherlands and other European markets.  As a CSSF-regulated Payment Institution, Paytm Europe is committed to building a best-in-class governance, risk and compliance framework from inception.
Role PurposeThe Head of Financial Crime & MLRO will lead the design, implementation and continuous enhancement of Paytm Europe's financial crime framework across Europe. The successful candidate will act as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), ensuring compliance with all applicable AML/CFT/CPF, sanctions and financial crime obligations while enabling sustainable commercial growth. This is a strategic executive leadership role responsible for building a scalable, technology-enabled financial crime function capable of supporting Paytm Europe's long-term European expansion.
Key Responsibilities
Build the Financial Crime Framework- Design and implement Paytm Europe's AML/CFT/CPF framework, policies and procedures.-Establish a risk-based control environment aligned with CSSF, EU and international regulatory expectations.-Ensure the framework scales effectively as the business expands across Europe.
Act as MLRO- Serve as the designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer.- Maintain effective relationships with the CSSF, Financial Intelligence Units and other competent authorities.- Oversee suspicious activity investigations and reporting.
Customer & Merchant Due Diligence- Oversee customer and merchant onboarding, KYC/KYB, enhanced due diligence and ongoing monitoring.- Ensure robust sanctions, PEP and adverse media screening processes are implemented and continuously enhanced.
Transaction Monitoring & Financial Crime Operations- Lead the design and optimisation of transaction monitoring, financial crime investigations and case management.- Leverage technology, data analytics and AI to improve effectiveness while reducing unnecessary operational burden.
Product & Business Partnership- Work closely with Product, Technology, Operations and Commercial teams to embed compliance by design.- Provide pragmatic, risk-based guidance that supports innovation and sustainable growth.
Leadership & Governance- Build and lead a high-performing Financial Crime team.- Provide regular reporting to Executive Management and the Board on financial crime risks, trends and regulatory developments.
Ideal BackgroundThe ideal candidate will have significant experience leading AML and financial crime functions within a regulated payment institution, electronic money institution, fintech or banking environment. Experience building rather than simply maintaining a financial crime function will be highly valued, together with a commercial mindset and the ability to support innovation within an appropriately controlled environment. Candidate must have 15+ years of experience. 
Essential Experience- Experience acting as MLRO or Deputy MLRO within a regulated financial institution. - Deep knowledge of AML/CFT, sanctions, fraud prevention and financial crime regulation. - Experience engaging with financial regulators and law enforcement authorities. - Strong understanding of merchant acquiring, payments or fintech business models.- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
Highly Desirable- Experience supporting the launch of a regulated financial institution.- Knowledge of Luxembourg, CSSF and broader European regulatory requirements.- Experience implementing transaction monitoring and financial crime technology solutions.- Professional qualifications in AML, financial crime or compliance.
Personal AttributesCommercially minded, highly ethical and intellectually curious. Able to balance robust regulatory compliance with commercial pragmatism. An excellent communicator capable of influencing senior stakeholders, regulators and cross-functional teams, while remaining calm and decisive under pressure.
Measures of Success (First 12 Months)- Successfully establish Paytm Europe's financial crime framework ahead of commercial launch.- Support regulatory authorisation and readiness for CSSF supervision.- Implement scalable onboarding, screening and transaction monitoring capabilities.- Recruit and develop a high-performing Financial Crime team.- Establish constructive and trusted relationships with the CSSF and other relevant authorities.- Create a financial crime function recognised as enabling safe and sustainable business growth.
Why This Role MattersFinancial crime prevention sits at the heart of Paytm Europe's licence, reputation and long-term success. The Head of Financial Crime & MLRO will be instrumental in building a culture where robust governance, intelligent risk management and commercial ambition work hand in hand, helping establish Paytm Europe as one of Europe's leading regulated payments businesses.