Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer (Deputy MLRO)

At Aspire, we’re more than just a FinTech company—we’re the leading all-in-one financial operating system built to empower the world’s innovators and entrepreneurs. We are on a mission to reinvent business finance, empowering startups and businesses to realise their full potential.

Founded in 2018, Aspire has raised over USD 300M+ across equity and debt from world-class investors. In 2023, we successfully closed an oversubscribed USD 100 million Series C equity round led by Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed Ventures with participation of Tencent, Paypal Ventures, LGT Capital Partners, Picus Capital and MassMutual Ventures. To power our solutions, we have partnered with some of the best companies in the world such as Visa and Wise and empowered more than 50,000 businesses using our suite of products.

Aspire has consistently been recognized for excellence, earning Best Employer and Startup of the Year by the Asia FinTech Awards in 2022 and 2023, ranked as LinkedIn’s Top Startup in Singapore, and listed on CB Insights’ Top 100 Global Fintech in 2023 and 2024.

You will be amazed by the energy and experience of our team! Aspire serves as an environment for you to innovate and drive change with our team of ex-entrepreneurs, ex-founders, and high-achievers with international and diverse backgrounds.

Are you a top talent who is passionate about entrepreneurship? Join our rapidly growing team to make an impact in the fintech space! 

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer (DMLRO) to join our Compliance team in Hong Kong.

This role is instrumental in supporting the MLRO in managing and enhancing our AML/CFT compliance framework in line with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO), regulatory requirements from the Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department (C&ED), and industry best practices. 

The Deputy MLRO will play a key role in supporting daily AML operations, including customer onboarding, transaction monitoring, STR filing, and liaising with internal teams to ensure compliance across the business. This position is ideal for professionals who are well-versed in AML regulatory requirements and looking to step into a more senior role within a growing fintech environment. The role will report to the Head of Compliance (MLRO), HK and East Asia in Hong Kong. 

What will you be doing?

• Support the MLRO in maintaining and enhancing the AML/CFT framework to meet the requirements of the AMLO and guidelines issued by C&ED
• Lead the development and implementation of internal policies, procedures, and controls relating to AML/CFT.
• Oversee the onboarding and customer due diligence (CDD/EDD) process, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory expectations.
• Review, update, and enforce Fincrime-related policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Support the FinCrime Operations team in conducting customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), sanctions screening, and transaction monitoring activities.
• Investigate and assess suspicious transactions, prepare Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to the Joint Financial
• Intelligence Unit (JFIU) under the supervision of the MLRO.
• Review, approve and provide advice to the business and AML operations on high risk clients, transactions and events.
• Conduct regular AML/CFT risk assessments and gap analyses; propose and implement necessary risk mitigation measures.
• Assist in preparing regulatory reports, responses to audits, and inspections conducted by regulators.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and senior management to ensure the effective execution of the fincrime program.
• Coordinate and deliver AML/CFT training and awareness programs to employees across the organization and ensure that relevant teams are kept up to date with regulatory developments.
• Keep up to date with AML/CFT regulatory developments and industry trends, and advise internal stakeholders accordingly.
• Act as delegate or cover for the MLRO in their absence.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• At least 5 years of AML/CFT compliance experience, preferably in financial institutions, fintech, or MSO-regulated entities.
• Solid knowledge of the Hong Kong AML/CFT regulatory framework, including AMLO, Guideline on AML/CFT (C&ED), and industry standards.
• Experience in transaction monitoring, CDD/EDD processes, sanctions screening, and STR preparation.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to liaise with regulators, auditors, and other external stakeholders on AML/CFT matters.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Prior experience in a fintech or payment services company regulated under C&ED and/or SFC Type 1,4,9.
• Familiarity with Fincrime technology and tools (e.g., screening and transaction monitoring systems) and ability to work with data to identify trends or anomalies.
• Proactive, collaborative, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Detail-oriented with proficient analytical, investigative, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Chinese; proficiency in Cantonese is a plus.
• CAMS certification or equivalent AML/CFT qualification

What we offer

• Uncapped flexible annual leave.
• Hybrid work arrangement. 
• Training subsidy for your professional growth.
• Wellness benefit.
• Team bonding budget to foster collaboration and sense of belonging.
• Flexibility to work from anywhere (for up to 90 days per annum).
• Culture is Key: We always strive to cultivate a special culture that brings special talents together - You can learn more about our culture on our careers site and LinkedIn Life page.
  

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Aspire is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by applicable laws. 

Please note: by submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood Aspire’s Data Protection Policy for Employees, Freelancers, Contractors and Job Applicants (the “Policy”), and consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal data by Aspire for the purposes set out in the Policy. You may withdraw consent for such collection, use and disclosure, and make an access or correction request in respect of your personal data, in accordance with the Policy by emailing people@aspireapp.com.