Head of Customer Due Diligence

London, England, United Kingdom

6/26/2025

Company Description

We’re Checkout.com – you might not know our name, but companies like eBay, ASOS, Klarna, Uber Eats, and Sony do. That moment when you check out online? We make it happen.

Checkout.com is where the world checks out. Our global network powers billions of transactions every year, making money move without making a fuss. We spent years perfecting a service most people will never notice. Because when digital payments just work, businesses grow, customers stay, and no one stops to think about why.

With 19 offices spanning six continents, we feel at home everywhere – but London is our HQ. Wherever our people work their magic, they’re fast-moving, performance-obsessed, and driven by being better every day. Ideal. Because a role here isn’t just another job; it’s a career-defining opportunity to build the future of fintech.

Job Description

We are looking for a tenured leader to head up our Global Customer Due Diligence team in London. You will be part of the Risk Operations department that is responsible for performing customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence on our portfolio of customers globally. This role ensures the company meets its legal and regulatory obligations in preventing financial crime, such as money laundering and terrorist financing. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and experienced individual with a strong understanding of KYC/KYB and AML/CTF regulations, and possesses a passion for coaching and developing others as they will be responsible for managing a team of 15 direct and indirect reports, ensuring that the team delivers on its KPIs and strategic initiatives.

This role is hands-on and requires close collaboration with our key stakeholders across the Commercial (Sales, Account Managers), Risk, Legal and Compliance organisations, to deliver results for the business and our valued customers.

How You’ll Make An Impact

Leadership and Programme Management

• Oversee the global CDD programme, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Lead a team of 20 professionals located in 3 different global locations, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to enhance team performance.
• Refine team objectives, KPIs, and deliverables to ensure successful execution of the CDD programme and 1st line Quality Control functions.
• Maintain oversight and ensure the team delivers on productivity, and SLA targets.
• Serve as the the final approver for cases requiring escalation by the team, providing expert level insight into the AML risk assessment of a merchant.
  
  

Policy Development and Oversight

• Review, and enhance CDD procedures, and frameworks for onboarding and periodic reviews.
• Ensure procedures are aligned with applicable regulations (e.g., AMLD, FATF, FCA guidelines) and internal risk appetite.
• Implement robust controls to monitor the effectiveness of CDD processes and make recommendations for improvements.
  
  

Risk Management

• Identify and assess risks associated with the merchant portfolio, proposing mitigation strategies where necessary.
• Oversee high-risk merchant reviews and provide persuasive recommendations to the MLRO or internal risk committees on account retention or termination.
• Partner with the Risk and Compliance teams to address emerging risks and regulatory developments.
  
  

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster a culture of compliance and build strong relationships with key internal stakeholders (Commercial, Compliance, Legal, Operations, and Product teams) to ensure seamless execution of CDD processes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits and regulatory inspections relating to the CDD programme.
• Represent the company in industry forums and maintain awareness of market trends and developments.
  
  

Process Optimisation

• Work with Product and Technology teams to implement and optimise tools that enhance efficiency and accuracy in CDD processes and reporting.
• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline workflows, reducing manual effort while maintaining high standards of compliance.
  
  

Reporting and Metrics

• Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on the company’s CDD programme, team performance, risk metrics, key findings and recommendations.
• Monitor trends within the merchant portfolio and make data-driven decisions to strengthen the company’s compliance program.
  
  

Required Skills And Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years in a similar role within financial services, fintech, or a payments company.
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading and managing teams of 10+ in a global, fast-paced environment. Ability to work across different cultures.
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of global CDD/KYC requirements, anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, and financial crime frameworks.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with UK/EU regulations (e.g., FCA, PSD2, 4AMLD/5AMLD) and global standards (FATF, OFAC, etc.).
• Analytical Skills: Ability to assess complex risk factors and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Technical Acumen: Experience with CDD/KYC tools and technology platforms, as well as automation initiatives.
• Program Management: Experience with managing CDD periodic review program at scale
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  
  

The holder of this role will be required to travel to our Mauritius office at least twice a year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent.
• Experience in the payments, fintech, or high-risk merchant sectors.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies in compliance, such as machine learning and data analytics tools.
  
  

Bring all of you to work

We create the conditions for high performers to thrive – through real ownership, fewer blockers, and work that makes a difference from day one.

Here, you’ll move fast, take on meaningful challenges, and be recognized for the impact you deliver. It’s a place where ambition gets met with opportunity – and where your growth is in your hands.

We work as one team, and we back each other to succeed. So whatever your background or identity, if you’re ready to grow and make a difference, you’ll be right at home here.

It’s important we set you up for success and make our process as accessible as possible. So let us know in your application, or tell your recruiter directly, if you need anything to make your experience or working environment more comfortable.

Life at Checkout.com

We understand that work is just one part of your life. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility, with three days per week in the office to support collaboration and connection.

Curious about what it’s like to be part of our team? Visit our Careers Page to learn more about our culture, open roles, and what drives us.

For a closer look at daily life at Checkout.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram