About the Department

Financial Crime Compliance is a dedicated AML/CFT Supervisory Function established to strengthen the MFSA’s role in preventing the use and involvement of Licence Holders in money laundering and financing of terrorism. The function is split into two focused teams; Onsite & Offsite. The Onsite Team operates alongside the FIAU in conducting AML related supervisory inspections on Licence Holders. The Offsite and Risk Analysis Team is dedicated to mitigating and detecting risks through constantly monitoring authorised persons. 

About the Role

The Deputy Head (Policy & Risk) is expected to provide analysis and interpretation of policy documents and legislation applicable to AML/CFT, Sanctions and financial crime in general. The role itself will act as a cross-function expert serving all teams within the Financial Crime Compliance Function as well as a conduit to other law enforcement and government agencies regarding application of policies.

The duties of the Deputy Head (Policy & Risk) shall include primarily supporting all parts of Financial Crime Compliance. The main purpose is to provide subject matter expertise to ensure that the level of compliance with the applicable AML/CFT laws, regulations and any guidance issued is adhered to.

The duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Head (Policy & Risk) shall include:

• Assisting the Head of Function in overseeing the running of the operations within the Financial Crime Compliance function including the delivery of timely and efficient service to internal and external stakeholders.
• To manage the Policy & Risk team to ensure the appropriate distribution of work tasks and the achievement of the set KPIs for the individuals and for the team.
• To oversee and participate in general management functions, including management meetings, participation in any relevant Committee meetings, the recruitment of team members, and the handling of the Authority's performance management process for the Financial Crime Compliance function.
• To provide strategic input to the Head of Function whilst ensuring that operational activities are carried out in alignment with the Authority’s set risk appetite.
• To work with the Head of Function in operational planning, development and reporting on supervisory performance metrics and effectiveness.
• To support critical change and a new collaborative, forward thinking culture within the function, and works with others to achieve this across the Financial Crime Compliance Function.
• To oversee the planning and conduct of any thematic reviews conducted by the Financial Crime Compliance Function on an on-going basis; whilst ensuring compliance with MFSA-wide supervisory methodology.
• To act as a reference point on interpretation of policy papers, regulations, and guidance documents, among others to Financial Crime Compliance staff members and the wider MFSA with regards to AML/CFT, Sanctions and Financial Crime compliance in general.
• To act as the contact-point with the National Coordination Committee among other national authorities and bodies.
• To act as FCC’s contact-point with the European Banking Authority among other supra-national bodies. •To coordinate with other MFSA supervisory functions the submission of information and data required to be inputted for the annual running of the FIAU CASPAR risk scoring tool. •To participate in any internal and external working groups as required. •To deliver training as required.
• To represent MFSA during meetings with credit rating agencies and evaluating bodies. •To lead and coordinate projects as required, including inter alia the updating of the National Risk Assessment as well as the implementation of any actions arising from any assessment the MFSA and/or Financial Crime Compliance Function is subject too in relation to its obligations on AML/CFT.
• Coordinating the collection of supervisory information for statistical purposes.
• You will also be expected to undertake any other duties that may arise depending on the exigencies of the Financial Crime Compliance Function and the Authority.

About You

We are looking for candidates who are eager to join an enthusiastic team with a passion for financial crime compliance. You should have a solid academic background in Law, Banking & Finance, Criminology or any other related area.

The role calls for an academic qualification in a relevant field of study at National Qualification Framework Level 6 or better, duly certified by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) or a widely recognised professional qualification at a comparable level. You will also possess a minimum of six (6) years working in the area of financial services and/or compliance with financial services regulation in a senior role. 

If you do not have the necessary academic or professional qualifications but you have at least ten (10) years of relevant senior experience in the area of financial services and/or compliance with financial services regulation and/or trustee and fiduciary services, we would still be interested in speaking with you.

Experience and/or or background knowledge related to trust management and fiduciary services will be considered as an asset for this role.

The ideal applicant should demonstrate the following skills/experience:

• Self-driven and ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
• Interest in trust management and fiduciary services;
• Attention to detail and strive for quality and accuracy of the work;
• Highly organised;
• Strategic-thinking;
• Ability to take a leading role and work on own initiative with minimum supervision;
• Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities as may be necessary;
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with other team members and with the industry in general; and
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Other Information

The MFSA is an Equal Opportunities Employer as certified by the NCPE (National Commission for the Protection of Equality) and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will take care to avoid any form of discrimination in its recruitment procedures. The MFSA reserves the right to withdraw this call at any time and not to select any of the Candidates. 

It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of qualifications awarded by Universities and other similar institutions outside Malta to produce a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). Applicants should do so preferably at application stage or otherwise at the preliminary interview should an applicant be selected for such interview. Details can be obtained by accessing the National Commission for Further and Higher Education website on www.ncfhe.gov.mt under MQRIC heading. 

The MFSA shall ensure that any processing of personal data is in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation), the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta) and any other relevant European Union and national law. For further details, you may refer to the Data Protection Policy on the MFSA webpage www.mfsa.mt. 

Candidates are to note that the submission of any false statement/s or omission, even if unintended, may lead to the cancellation of their application and may render the candidate's appointment liable to termination. 

Furthermore, please note that candidates may be asked to submit any documentation in support of the information provided, including but not limited to, proof of qualifications and Police Conduct Certificates. 

Public Call Permit: 915/2025