About First Circle
Founded in 2016, First Circle provides innovative SME financing solutions and is at the forefront of building smart banking systems for businesses in the Philippines. As a trusted partner of the Philippine government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), we are pioneers in providing data to the Credit Information Corporation (CIC) and the first FinTech company licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Philippines. Our leadership team, with backgrounds from Morgan Stanley and Bridgewater Associates, is dedicated to transforming the financial services landscape in the region.
The Compliance Officer will play a vital role in ensuring that First Circle operates in full compliance with regulatory requirements while fostering a strong culture of accountability and integrity. Reporting to the General Counsel, the Compliance Officer will oversee compliance frameworks, ensure adherence to legal and regulatory mandates, and drive initiatives related to regulatory reporting, AML compliance, and data privacy.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance:
- Collaborate with the General Counsel to monitor, assess, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reportorial requirements.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies, including but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Privacy Commission (NPC), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and other relevant government entities.
- Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of all regulatory compliance reports to relevant authorities and external partners.
SEC Compliance:
- Oversee compliance with all SEC regulatory and reportorial requirements applicable to financing companies.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for SEC-related matters, audits, and inquiries.
AML Compliance:
- Develop, document, and update the company’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) policies and procedures to align with relevant laws and regulations.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with AML/CTF requirements, including risk assessments and reporting.
- Provide AML training to employees to ensure awareness and adherence to policies.
Data Privacy Compliance:
- Collaborate with the Data Protection Officer (DPO) to implement and manage the company’s Data Protection and Privacy Program.
- Assist in developing and maintaining data privacy policies and procedures.
- Monitor operational compliance with data privacy laws and investigate potential incidents or breaches
Experience:
2-4 years of experience in compliance, risk management, or a related field, ideally within the fintech or financial services industry.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and frameworks, including SEC, AML, and data privacy laws.
- Proven ability to navigate complex compliance landscapes while supporting business agility.
- Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with a proactive, self-starter approach.
- Outstanding communication skills to collaborate across teams and engage with external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with a commitment to accuracy and detail.
- Collaborative mindset, capable of working closely with legal, operations, and business teams.
