Compliance Program Manager

Lightspark is creating the Money Grid, modern, open financial infrastructure that makes payments accessible, affordable, and instant for businesses and users worldwide. We're challenging the status quo, updating the current system, and empowering our partners to build better solutions. Together, we're building the most advanced financial infrastructure, open, instant, and global, inspiring a future where anyone, anywhere can access the full potential of digital money.

Lightspark Payments is building regulated services on the Lightning Network. In this role, you will lead and manage the BSA/AML and Sanctions compliance program for our regulated payments business. You will report to the Chief Compliance Officer and work hand in hand with Product, Engineering, and Operations to design compliant products, document processes, and execute where needed as Lightspark Payments scales. This is an individual contributor role for experienced compliance professionals who have thrived in fast-paced, innovative environments and are motivated by building and scaling programs.

On-site attendance in our Los Angeles office is preferred. We will also consider candidates working remotely, in which case regular travel to our Los Angeles office is required to collaborate with your team and cross functional stakeholders.

What You'll Be Doing

• Own, maintain, and continuously improve the BSA/AML and Sanctions Compliance Program and the related policies, procedures, and governance frameworks under the CCO’s responsibility, ensuring they stay current as products, controls, and the business change.
• Draft and maintain the BSA/AML, Sanctions, and other policies required of a regulated fintech company.
• Translate regulatory requirements into product and control design that is compliant, innovative, and tailored to Lightspark Payments’ business.
• Act as a real-time subject matter expert to Product, Engineering, and Design as new products and services are built or enhanced, helping ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Understand and explain how compliance requirements apply across the end-to-end funds flow, and contribute to cross-functional working sessions that design products and user interfaces with compliance in mind.
• Conduct counterparty due diligence reviews, and maintain and update documentation according to each counterparty’s risk rating.
• Maintain and enhance the BSA/AML/Sanctions Risk Assessment, and maintain the inventory of controls that supports it.
• Develop and deliver compliance training for employees and relevant partners.
• Identify compliance, regulatory, financial, fraud, and other risks, and bring them to cross-functional partners and leadership together with proposed solutions.
• Work effectively with Sales, Product, Engineering, Legal, Design, Business Development, and other stakeholders.
• Support the Licensing and Audit Manager and audit lead in responding to regulatory examinations, partner audits, and reviews.
• Support the CCO as needed.

What We Are Looking For

• 10+ years of total experience, including at least 5 years in a compliance management role (such as BSA Officer or Compliance Officer).
• Bachelor’s degree or a Juris Doctor preferred and an industry certification (such as CAMS or CRCM) is a plus.
• Subject matter expertise in at least one of the following areas: domestic and cross-border payments, blockchain or cryptocurrency compliance, stablecoin payment infrastructure, or complex financial product compliance.
• Understanding of the functional and technical design of blockchain and Bitcoin, and ideally the Lightning Network.
• Experience with payment systems and US and international payment rails, including compliance obligations for customer onboarding, sanctions, AML, and fraud prevention.
• Expertise implementing the Bank Secrecy Act for licensed MSBs and/or fintechs dealing in digital assets, including Reg E, the Travel Rule, and CIP/KYC/EDD requirements.
• Experience integrating or configuring compliance vendors, or defining requirements for internal compliance systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable product documentation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, and a track record of working effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Experience working in a start-up environment or building products or programs from scratch.
• Intense professional curiosity and a growth mindset.

Lightspark is on a mission to build the future of open, instant, and global financial infrastructure making payments accessible and affordable for everyone, everywhere. We're committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace to reflect the customers we serve. We welcome interest from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience who share our mission. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

For US Applicants:

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the State of California Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

For EU Applicants:

In accordance with applicable EU and local regulations, including the Estonian Employment Contracts Act, Equal Treatment Act, and Gender Equality Act, Lightspark ensures equal treatment throughout the hiring process.

Compensation Range: $190K - $225K