Job Description

Are you ready to trade your job for a journey? Become a FlyMate!

Passion, excitement & global collaboration are all core to what it means to be a FlyMate. At Flywire, we’re on a mission to deliver the world’s most important and complex payments. We use our Flywire Advantage - the combination of our next-gen payments platform, proprietary payment network and vertical specific software, to help our clients get paid, and help their customers pay with ease - no matter where they are in the world.

What more do we need to truly be unstoppable? Perhaps, that is you! 

Who we are: 

Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company, delivering high-stakes, high-value payments across the global education, healthcare, travel and B2B industries.

Today, we’ve digitized payments for more than 4,500+ global clients in more than 140 currencies across 240 countries and territories around the world. And, we’re just getting started!

With over 1,200 global FlyMates, representing more than 40 nationalities, and in 12 offices world-wide, we’re looking for FlyMates to join the next stage of our journey as we continue to grow.

Job Description

 

The Opportunity:

Flywire is seeking a Head of Compliance & MLRO, Japan to lead regulatory and compliance efforts as we expand in the Japanese market. Based in Tokyo and reporting to the APAC Head of Compliance, this senior role is ideal for a seasoned professional with strong expertise in AML/CTF and financial regulation. You’ll oversee local compliance programs, engage with regulators and partners, and ensure alignment with Flywire’s global standards. This cross-functional role works closely with Product, Payments, Risk, and Operations teams to support product launches, manage filings, and maintain a robust compliance posture in a key growth region.

As the Head of Compliance & MLRO, Japan, you will be instrumental in driving Flywire’s regulatory strategy and ensuring full compliance with Japanese laws. Your responsibilities will include:

Regulatory Strategy & Licensing

• Assess the applicability of Japanese AML/CTF regulations to Flywire’s business model.
• Support efforts to obtain and maintain regulatory licenses as required.
• Monitor developments in local financial regulation, including payment services, fintech, and consumer protection laws.

Program Development & Oversight

• Design, implement, and maintain Flywire’s Japanese AML and compliance programs, including policies, manuals, and governance structures.
• Conduct AML/CTF risk assessments and ensure ongoing program effectiveness.
• Oversee the regulatory reporting process and maintain accurate records of filings and inquiries.
  

Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with Product, Payments, Risk, and Operations teams on product launches and business initiatives to ensure compliance from the outset.
• Support contract negotiations and advise on client, partner, and marketing agreements.
• Coordinate with legal and compliance counterparts globally to ensure alignment.
  

Regulatory Engagement & Communication

• Serve as Flywire’s key contact for Japanese regulators and law enforcement agencies.
• Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and communications to internal stakeholders and external regulators.
• Respond to regulatory inquiries in coordination with internal subject-matter experts.
  

Operational Support & Compliance Enablement

• Provide compliance support for KYC onboarding, refresh cycles, and due diligence reviews.
• Guide business operations on matters like powers of attorney, legal entity governance, and localization of global frameworks.
• Contribute to audit readiness and partner KYC reviews.
  

Strategic Risk Management & Special Projects

• Conduct regulatory reviews of potential business acquisitions and strategic initiatives.
• Develop insights and best practices to enhance Flywire’s risk governance and compliance maturity.
• Take ownership of additional compliance-related initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

Here’s What We’re Looking For:

Required:

• 8+ years of professional experience with a Bachelor's degree
• Deep knowledge of AML, financial services regulations, and compliance frameworks, ideally in a payments or fintech environment.
• Fluent in both Japanese and English (verbal and written).
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements.
• Experience interacting with regulators and external stakeholders.
• Skilled in preparing and delivering high-quality presentations and reports.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, global environment.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in AML, Compliance, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, or related functions.
• Prior experience in a regulated payments or financial services firm.
• Law degree or similar qualification is a strong plus.
• Data-driven mindset with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across different jurisdictions.

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation, including Restricted Stock Units 
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Flying Start - Our immersive Global Induction Program (Meet our Execs & Global Teams)
• Work with brilliant people that will keep you on your toes, learn more about their journeys by checking out #InsideFlywire on social media
• Dynamic & Global Team (we have been collaborating virtually for years!)
• Wellbeing Programs (Mental Health, Wellness, Yoga/Pilates/HIIT Classes) with Global FlyMates 
• Be a meaningful part in our success - every FlyMate makes an impact
• Competitive time off including FlyBetter Days to volunteer in a cause you believe in and Digital Disconnect Days!
• Great Talent & Development Programs (Managers Taking Flight – for new or aspiring managers!)

Submit today and get started!

We are excited to get to know you! Throughout our process you can expect to meet with different FlyMates including the Hiring Manager, Peers on the team, the VP of the department, and a skills assessment. Your Talent Acquisition Partner will walk you through the steps and be your “go-to” person for any questions.

Flywire is an equal opportunity employer. With over 40 nationalities across 12 different offices, and diversity and inclusion at the core of our people agenda, we believe our FlyMates are our greatest asset, and we’re excited to watch our unique culture evolve with each new hire.

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