
Back to jobs
Head of Compliance, Americas
San Jose, California, United States
Who We Are
At OKX, we believe that the future will be reshaped by crypto, and ultimately contribute to every individual's freedom.
OKX is a leading crypto exchange, and the developer of OKX Wallet, giving millions access to crypto trading and decentralized crypto applications (dApps). OKX is also a trusted brand by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets. We are safe and reliable, backed by our Proof of Reserves.
Across our multiple offices globally, we are united by our core principles: We Before Me, Do the Right Thing, and Get Things Done. These shared values drive our culture, shape our processes, and foster a friendly, rewarding, and diverse environment for every OK-er.
OKX is part of OKG, a group that brings the value of Blockchain to users around the world, through our leading products OKX, OKX Wallet, OKLink and more.
About the Team:
The Compliance function at Okcoin is responsible for the overall compliance culture at the company. We’re a team of risk-minded problem solvers who advise the business on the company’s regulatory obligations and enterprise risk.
What You'll be Doing:
-
Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the comprehensive compliance framework, strategy, and programs for the Americas region, ensuring full alignment with global compliance standards and all pertinent regulatory requirements, with a strategic focus on market expansion and new product introduction.
-
Spearhead regional markets compliance programs and provide expert compliance advice for U.S. expansion, particularly focusing on derivatives, digital assets, and other innovative financial products. This includes overseeing local market conduct rules, and ensuring integrity in new market entries.
-
Provide strategic guidance for new product development and service launches across the Americas, ensuring compliant integration and go-to-market strategies, especially for complex financial offerings.
-
Lead, mentor, and manage the Americas compliance team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional development in a dynamic regulatory environment.
-
Serve as the primary senior point of contact and representative for the company with key regulatory bodies across the Americas, particularly U.S. federal and state regulators (including those governing securities and derivatives markets), as well as Canadian and Bahamian authorities; oversee regulatory examinations, inquiries, audits, and ongoing reporting.
-
Direct and oversee broader regional compliance programs, including robust anti-money laundering/counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks, economic sanctions screening, and consumer protection protocols for the Americas.
-
Working with central teams, lead regional compliance risk assessments (e.g., AML, regulatory, product-specific), ensuring timely identification, evaluation, and effective mitigation of potential risks.
-
Collaborate closely with global compliance functions, legal, product, operations, and business development teams to integrate compliance requirements seamlessly into regional operations and strategic initiatives.
-
Oversee all aspects of U.S. Money Transmitter License (MTL) portfolios, Canadian federal and provincial licensing (registration and reporting), and Bahamian regulatory obligations, including applications, renewals, reporting, and adherence to all specific obligations.
-
Stay abreast of all pertinent regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and industry best practices within the Americas—especially concerning digital assets, derivatives, and financial market infrastructure—proactively adapting regional compliance programs and policies as needed.
-
Champion and embed a strong compliance culture throughout all levels of the Americas operations.
-
Prepare and deliver regular reports to senior leadership and relevant governance committees on the state of compliance in the Americas, including key risks, performance metrics, significant issues, and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience:
-
Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in senior compliance leadership roles within the financial services industry, with a substantial focus on the Americas (deep U.S. experience is essential; Canadian, Bahamas, or Caribbean experience is a strong asset).
-
Proven track record of successfully leading, building, and developing high-performing compliance teams in a regional or multi-jurisdictional capacity.
-
In-depth, expert-level knowledge of the regulatory landscape in the U.S. (federal, state, including Bank Secrecy Act, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC sanctions, and state-specific MTL regimes; NYDFS BitLicense experience, as well as CFTC licensure), Canada (FINTRAC, PCMLTFA, and relevant provincial securities regulations), and the Bahamas (Central Bank of The Bahamas, DARE Act).
-
Demonstrable experience in effectively managing regulatory relationships, navigating complex examinations, and responding to regulatory inquiries at a senior level.
-
Comprehensive understanding of market compliance, AML/CFT program management, economic sanctions compliance, and consumer protection regulations applicable to financial institutions.
-
Proven ability to provide pragmatic, business-oriented strategic compliance guidance for business expansion, new product development, and technology-driven initiatives.
-
Relevant advanced degrees (e.g., Juris Doctor, MBA) and deep understanding of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), CFTC regulations, and the operational requirements for CFTC-regulated entities, especially for guiding expansion into U.S. derivatives markets.
OKX Statement:
OKX is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
-
The salary range for this position is $240,000 - $360,000
-
The salary offered depends on a variety of factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location. In addition to the salary, a performance bonus and long-term incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, as well as a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Applicants should apply via OKX internal or external careers site.
#LI-JC4
Apply for this job
*
indicates a required field