Head of Compliance DE

DE - Head of Compliance - Deutschsprachig (m/w/d)

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 speaks for itself: we've provided billions in funding to over 150,000 businesses across Europe, making us one of the continent's leading fintech innovators. But we're just getting started. Our mission? To 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 unexpected opportunities, we ensure businesses get the funds they need – often within minutes.

The Team

Our German Compliance team is skilled and motivated. It acts as a centre of competence for all compliance matters. The team advises and supports operational and administrative functions to ensure regulatory compliance using the three-lines-of-defence model. It works closely with the UK and global Compliance teams (Regulatory, Financial Crime, Data & GDPR), and other business areas, and reports 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 – for example, in GDPR, anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions, and fraud prevention – with a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset. You 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 our 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
  

The Requirements:Essential

• 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

• Fluent German (minimum C2 level) and excellent English, both written and spoken

• 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 (Fressgass), Berlin (Prenzlauer Berg), London (Fitzrovia)

• 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 (healthy and indulgent)

• 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

Useful links:

• See iwoca benefits & policies for detail and some additional benefits.
  
  

---