Director, Legal Compliance – Crypto Transaction Services

Director, Legal Compliance – Crypto Mastercard Transaction Services

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At Mastercard, we are committed to protecting our network and solutions from being used to facilitate money laundering and terrorist financing. The Director, Legal Compliance – Crypto, MTS will report to the MTS US AML/CFT Officer, MTS. MTS is a strategic enterprise asset within Mastercard’s Commercial and New Payment Flows organization, providing compliance services across regulated and non-regulated payment flows, including crypto‑related services.

This role will closely collaborate with the Director, Digital Currency Enablement, MTS. The role is designed to develop and oversee MTS’ Operations Team, with occasional involvement in MTS’ FIU cryptocurrency alert investigations and regulatory reporting.

• Build and oversee MTS’ Operations Team, which manages AML/Sanctions onboarding, due diligence, transaction monitoring, and investigations for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and crypto‑related programs, including:
• Crypto card programs
• Stable coins (e.g., USDC, PYUSD)
• Send Crypto programs
• Crypto Credential
• Design, implement, and maintain MTS’ crypto compliance framework, including updates to policies and procedures and management information systems.
• Lead cross‑functional efforts to onboard crypto partners, conduct risk assessments, and develop robust compliance controls.
• Partner closely with Legal, Regulatory, Risk, Product, and Engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of crypto services.
• Lead compliance discussions on initiatives such as stablecoin settlements and crypto card programs.
• Assist with responding to regulatory exams, audits, and inquiries.
• Oversee the tuning and optimization of blockchain analytics tools used across crypto services.
• Oversee escalations from the Operations Team utilizing blockchain analytics and traditional compliance tools as needed.
• Manage and oversee training and guidance to internal teams on crypto compliance tools, risks and investigative techniques including on and off‑chain due diligence, advanced on‑chain analytics.
• Occasionally support the FIU Team in investigating and reporting crypto‑related payments.
• Maintain strong industry knowledge of regulatory developments, industry trends, and best practices in crypto compliance, and update internal policies and procedures accordingly.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in manager‑level crypto compliance or risk management within financial services or payments.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in cryptocurrency, stable coins, and money transfer systems.
• Strong understanding of crypto compliance (AML, KYC, Sanctions, transaction monitoring, investigations), ideally within a regulated fintech or crypto‑native environment.
• Strong understanding of card payments, digital commerce, blockchain analytics, and cross‑border payment flows.
• Minimum 3 years of experience delivering crypto compliance training and presenting case studies to global audiences.
• Experience in process mapping and compliance framework development.
• Proven ability to manage onboarding and risk assessments for crypto assets and VASPs.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and drive results across teams.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of AML, BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, and OFAC requirements.
• Preferred certifications: ACAMS, CFE, blockchain analytics (e.g., Elliptic, Crystal).
• Advanced skills in cryptocurrency investigations, OSINT, and tracing techniques.
• Digitally fluent with experience in process automation and scalable compliance solutions.
• Proficient in MS Office tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Visio).

Mastercard is a merit‑based, inclusive, equal‑opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application…