The Head of Americas Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will lead the acquisition and management of U.S. state money transmitter licenses and other regulatory licenses across the Americas, including Canada and Latin America. This role is critical in enabling OpenFX’s global expansion while ensuring full regulatory compliance and maintaining strong relationships with financial regulators.
What You'll Do
- Complete preparation, coordination, and submission of U.S. state money transmitter license (MTL) applications across all required states
- Manage multiple MTL applications simultaneously through approval
- Drive scoping and execution of additional license applications in the Americas
- Prepare and submit Money Services Business (MSB) registration in Canada
- Obtain required U.S. crypto/virtual currency licenses
- Secure any required licenses across key Latin American markets
- Coordinate with external counsel and consultants to ensure high-quality, cost-effective support aligned with business needs
- Oversee all post-licensing obligations including renewals, amendments, quarterly/annual reporting, surety bond management, net worth requirements, and permissible investment compliance
- Serve as OpenFX's primary point of contact with state banking departments, FinCEN, and other U.S. regulators
- Act as main liaison with FINTRAC (Canada) and Latin American financial authorities
- Build and maintain positive, proactive relationships with key regulatory bodies
- Lead preparations for and responses to regulatory examinations, audits, inquiries, and requests for information from state and federal regulators
- Draft, review, and submit all regulatory filings, notifications, reports, and correspondence with accuracy and within required timelines
- Coordinate with Finance and other internal stakeholders to submit quarterly, semi-annual, and annual financial and operational reports required under various licenses
- Work with internal teams to identify regulatory requirements for new markets and develop paths to licensure
- Review and update regulatory policies, procedures, and compliance manuals to reflect current requirements
- Recruit and manage licensing and regulatory professionals as the business scales
What We're Looking For
- 7+ years of experience in regulatory licensing, regulatory affairs, or regulatory compliance within financial services, fintech, or payments companies
- Proven track record of successfully obtaining and maintaining financial services licenses, particularly US state money transmitter licenses
- Strong knowledge of US state money transmission regulatory frameworks, including application processes, surety bond requirements, net worth rules, and examination procedures
- Demonstrated experience preparing and submitting regulatory reports, notifications, and responses to regulatory inquiries
- Track record of successfully interfacing with state banking departments, FinCEN, and other financial regulators
- Exceptional project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex, time-sensitive licensing applications and compliance obligations simultaneously
- Outstanding written communication skills with experience drafting regulatory submissions, applications, policies, and correspondence to regulators
- Meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills to navigate complex regulatory requirements and ensure accuracy in all submissions
- Collaborative approach with commitment to teamwork and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external advisors
- Bachelor's degree required
Nice to Have
- JD preferred
- Experience in cross-border payments, FX, or crypto industries
- Experience with crypto/digital asset licensing (e.g., NY BitLicense, state virtual currency licenses)
- Experience with international licensing (Canada MSB registration, Latin American licenses)
- Prior work at a high-growth fintech or payments startup managing rapid licensing expansion
- Existing relationships with state regulators, CSBS, or Money Transmitter Regulators Association (MTRA)
- Familiarity with RegTech tools and automation for regulatory compliance and reporting
Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Impact: Own the licensing function at a critical growth stage and directly enable business expansion
- Growth: Opportunity to build a function and help scale a successful high-growth company
- Learning: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced startup at the forefront of fintech innovation
- Culture: Collaborative team environment with emphasis on personal and professional growth
- Mission: Help build the future of global financial infrastructure
Team & Environment
- Collaborative team environment
- Emphasis on personal and professional growth
- Commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
