Job Description

About Us

Hello Clever is building the next generation of payments and loyalty infrastructure by turning every transaction into growth for merchants.

We’re an AI-powered fintech operating across 26+ markets, helping businesses move money in real time and convert payments into measurable outcomes like higher repeat rates, bigger baskets, and smarter customer engagement. Our platform combines local account-to-account rails, embedded cashback and loyalty products, and powerful data intelligence through Clever AI, so merchants can launch offers, optimise ROI, and scale faster, all through a single integration.

We recently crossed $70M in live ARR and are on track to pass $100M by the end of 2026-just 2.3 years after reaching our first $1M. It’s an exciting milestone that reflects the scale of what we’re building and the opportunity ahead.

We’re also proud to be recognised on the global stage, including being named Australia’s fastest-growing fintech, recognised in Forbes Asia’s Top 100, ranked among the AFR Fastest-Growing Companies, and selected for Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business.

About the Role

As our new Compliance Officer in Japan, you’ll join an open, knowledge-driven culture where everyone can thrive, connect with colleagues, learn, and grow. Here, you’ll be empowered to make an impact every day. You will play a pivotal role in driving our expansion in the Japanese market as the leader of our compliance, risk, and regulatory function in Japan. You will own the design, implementation, and ongoing operation of our compliance and risk management framework, ensuring full adherence to Japanese financial regulations, including the Payment Services Act, the Banking Act, and the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, as well as all applicable AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CFT (Countering the Financing of Terrorism) requirements.

As the primary point of contact with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and other regulators, you will build and maintain strong regulatory relationships, oversee licensing and reporting obligations, and make sure our business stays ahead of evolving regulatory expectations. You will also partner closely with senior leadership, product, and operations teams to embed compliance and risk considerations into business strategy, new product launches, and day-to-day operations.

This role calls for a strategic thinker and hands-on leader with a deep understanding of Japanese banking and payment regulations, AML/CFT laws, and local compliance frameworks, along with the judgment to balance regulatory rigor with business growth.You will also serve as the lead for Japan's fintech regulatory framework, driving the end-to-end registration process for Funds Transfer Service Provider (資金移動業) and Electronic Payment Agency Service Provider (電子決済等代行業) licenses, including preparing applications, coordinating with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and Local Finance Bureaus, and ensuring ongoing compliance after registration. You will report directly to the Global Head of Compliance and Risk.

Regulatory Framework and Licensing

• Identify, interpret, and keep current the laws, regulations, and standards that apply to Hello Clever's business in Japan, including the Payment Services Act (資金決済法), the Banking Act (銀行法), the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds (犯罪収益移転防止法), the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (外為法), the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (個人情報保護法), the FSA's Administrative Guidelines and AML/CFT Guidelines, and applicable self-regulatory rules.
• Track regulatory developments and assess their impact on Hello Clever's products, operations, and strategy, advising senior management on required changes before they take effect.
• Lead the application, maintenance, and renewal of Hello Clever's fintech licenses, including Funds Transfer Service Provider (資金移動業) and Electronic Payment Agency Service Provider (電子決済等代行業) registrations, and manage all required change notifications (変更届出) and any additional registrations needed for new products or activities.
• Oversee compliance with customer fund protection requirements, including security deposit (履行保証金) arrangements, safeguarding of customer funds, and related reconciliation and reporting obligations.
• Maintain Hello Clever's membership in and compliance with relevant self-regulatory organizations, such as the Japan Payment Service Association.

Regulatory Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison with the Financial Services Agency (FSA), the relevant Local Finance Bureau, and other authorities on all matters related to licensing, compliance, AML/CFT, inspections, and regulatory audits.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all statutory reports and filings, including annual business reports and periodic reports on outstanding obligations and security deposits.
• Lead preparation for and response to regulatory inquiries, hearings, and on-site inspections, and oversee the remediation of any findings within agreed timelines.

Compliance Risk Management and Monitoring

• Assess and monitor compliance risks arising from Hello Clever's Japan business and its expansion into new products, markets, activities, and business relationships, including partnerships with banks, merchants, and outsourced service providers.
• Conduct regular Compliance Risk Assessments and prepare and maintain the company-wide AML/CFT risk assessment document (特定事業者作成書面等) required under Japanese law and FSA guidelines.
• Design and run a risk-based compliance monitoring and testing program to verify adherence to Japan-specific policies, procedures, and regulatory standards, and track identified gaps through to resolution.
• Provide compliance review and sign-off for new products, marketing materials, customer terms, and third-party and outsourcing arrangements.
• Oversee compliance aspects of customer complaint handling, dispute resolution (ADR), and consumer protection obligations.

AML/CFT Program

• Develop, implement, and maintain Japan Compliance and AML/CFT policies and procedures covering customer due diligence (取引時確認), enhanced due diligence, ongoing monitoring, sanctions screening, record-keeping, and cross-border remittance requirements.
• Oversee the effectiveness of transaction monitoring and sanctions screening systems, including scenario calibration, alert quality, and escalation workflows.
• Collaborate closely with the first-line Business AML Operations team to review, assess, and resolve customer and transaction-related escalations, providing clear guidance and quality assurance.
• Serve as the designated officer responsible for AML/CFT compliance in Japan and the main point of contact for AML/CFT inquiries, investigations, and law enforcement requests.
• Make final determinations on and file Suspicious Transaction Reports (疑わしい取引の届出) with the relevant authorities, maintaining complete and well-documented records of decisions.

Governance, Reporting, and Culture

• Prepare and present regular reports on Japan Compliance and AML/CFT matters, including key risks, incidents, regulatory developments, and remediation progress, to senior management, the compliance risk committee, the board, and group compliance.
• Lead the rollout and ongoing management of Japan-specific Compliance and AML/CFT training programs across the organization, including role-specific training for high-risk functions and senior management.
• Build, lead, and develop the Japan compliance team, and champion a strong culture of compliance and risk awareness throughout the business.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 7 years of experience in Compliance and AML/CTF, preferably within the payment or banking related fintech sector.
• Possession of professional certifications such asCAMS or CFCS is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge ofbanking, fintech, and payments regulations, as well as AML/CTF laws, compliance systems, and best practices in Japan and internationally.
• Proven ability tointerpret complex regulatory requirements and design practical, compliant solutions.
• Ability to approach challenges with arisk-based mindset rather than being bound by preconceived notions.
• Stronganalytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented and proactive mindset.
• Excellentcommunication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with internal teams, regulators, and external partners.
• Acollaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Deep understanding ofJapanese business culture and regulatory landscape.
• Fluency in both English and Japanese is required.
• Experience withlicense application processes (e.g., 資金移動業, 電子決済代行業) and regulatory audits is a strong advantage.

Why join Hello Clever?

• High-Growth Fintech - Be part of a company leading the future of real-time payments and loyalty solutions.
• Global impact - We’re live in 26+ markets and growing fast.
• Category-defining product - Real-time payments, instant cashback, AI-powered merchant tools.
• Mission-driven - We’re here to make money smarter, fairer and faster for everyone.
• Dynamic Culture - Join a passionate, results-driven team that values innovation and collaboration.

Benefits & Perks

• Leave that supports real life – Enjoy Birthday Leave and Menstrual Leave in addition to your standard annual leave.
• Invest in your wellbeing and growth – Receive an annual Wellness and Development Allowance to use toward what helps you feel and perform at your best.
• Technology support – Access a Technology Allowance to help you create a productive working setup.
• Flexible hybrid working – Enjoy the balance of collaborating in person and working remotely.
• Celebrate together – Connect with the team through quarterly social events and our annual company trip.

How To Apply

We like to keep things simple, but we also want to make sure this is the right fit for both of us. Here’s what to expect:

• Phone Call - Chat our P&C team to get to now each other
• Virtual Chat - A casual video call to get to know you, your experience, and what makes you tick.
• Meet the Team & Present Your Thinking - An in-person catch-up at our office to see if we vibe and chat about how you’d make this role your own. This will include a short presentation where you’ll bring some ideas to life (nothing scary, we promise).

Sound like you? Let’s talk. Drop us a note at careers@helloclever.co

Direct applicants only, no agencies.