Head of Compliance DE

Overview

DE - Head of Compliance - Deutschsprachig (m/w/d) at iwoca Deutschland. The role leads the German Compliance team and supports regulatory compliance to enable growth in Germany.

The Company

Imagine a world where every small business has the power to thrive. That's the world we're building at iwoca. Small businesses aren't just statistics – they're the heartbeat of our communities, the character of our high streets, and the engine of our economy. Since 2012, we've revolutionised how these businesses access finance, turning what was once a lengthy, frustrating process into something remarkable: funding that's fast, flexible, and actually works for modern businesses. Our impact includes billions in funding to over 150,000 businesses across Europe, as we empower one million businesses with the financial tools they deserve.

We combine cutting-edge technology and data science with genuine human understanding to make finance feel less like a barrier and more like a superpower. Whether it's managing cash flow or seizing opportunities, we ensure businesses get the funds they need – often within minutes. Our German Compliance team acts as a centre of competence for all compliance matters, working closely with UK and global Compliance teams and reporting to the General Manager Germany.

The Role

As Head of Compliance (m/f/d), you will lead and grow our German Compliance team. You will shape and oversee our compliance processes to support iwoca’s strong commercial and strategic growth in Germany. You will be part of the German management team and act as a centre of expertise for all compliance topics. You combine deep technical knowledge in GDPR, AML, sanctions, and fraud prevention with a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset to ensure legal and regulatory compliance while enabling growth in a dynamic fintech environment.

Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach and develop the German Compliance team
• Own the strategic and operational direction of our compliance monitoring programme
• Represent iwoca in relevant German and Luxembourg regulatory forums and committees

Expertise and Impact

• Serve as Responsable du contrôle du respect des obligations (RC Function) for our Luxembourg entity
• Ensure compliance with AML/CTF and Financial Crime requirements and continuously evolve internal policies
• Monitor legal and regulatory changes, share relevant insights, and act as the go-to person for compliance topics

Strategy and Innovation

• Conduct regular risk assessments for compliance and AML/CTF, and adjust policies as products and markets evolve
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement in compliance thinking and methods

Essential

The Requirements:

• At least 7 years’ relevant experience in compliance, ideally in financial services or consultancy
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in financial crime prevention, particularly German and European regulations (e.g. GDPR, German Money Laundering Act, AML/CTF)
• Proven leadership experience
• Native-level German and excellent English, both spoken and written
• Strong analytical skills and a structured, independent way of working

Desirable

• Experience in banking or fintech
• Legal degree or similar qualification
• Practical understanding of business operations and risk
• Familiarity with frameworks such as design thinking and project management

Compensation

Salary will depend on your experience and is in line with market levels. Please include your expected salary in your application. We benchmark salaries regularly and hold quarterly performance and pay reviews. Please submit your application in English.

Benefits

• A varied, fast-paced and challenging working environment
• Flat hierarchies, close collaboration with leadership, and real opportunities to shape and progress
• A smart, fun, international team – over 35 nationalities represented
• Company-wide training with internal and external speakers
• Great office locations – Frankfurt, Berlin, London
• 26 days’ holiday plus public holidays and your birthday off
• “Summer Houses” in Southern Europe and “Winter Houses” in the Alps for team retreats
• Fully stocked kitchens with breakfast items and snacks
• Career development opportunities
• Share options
• One-month paid sabbatical after four years at iwoca
• Direct access to certified psychologists via our partner OpenUp
• Time off for volunteering
• Unlimited unpaid leave for travel or study
• Learning and development allowance, including a budget for books
• Contribution towards the Deutschlandticket

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal

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