Compliance Lead, Canada
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for fintech specialists with expertise in Canadian regulations continues to grow, with a 25% increase in job postings in the last year, companies like Affirm are seeking skilled professionals to lead compliance efforts. The Compliance Lead role at Affirm is particularly interesting due to its focus on consumer protection and payment regulations, where expertise in Excel and regulatory frameworks such as RPAA is highly valued. With the Canadian fintech market expanding, candidates with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret regulatory developments are in high demand. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the complex regulatory landscape and the need for continuous compliance monitoring in the financial services sector.
Job Description
About the Role
The Compliance Lead, Canada, plays a pivotal role in ensuring Affirm's operations in Canada comply with all relevant regulatory requirements. This includes managing the compliance framework, providing regulatory advice, and overseeing regulatory reporting. The successful candidate will be part of the Legal, Compliance, and Public Affairs team, which is dedicated to supporting Affirm's mission to deliver honest financial products. The team combines legal, compliance, and policy expertise to guide growth, shape products, and build trust across the ecosystem.The Canada Compliance team designs and implements compliance programs that proactively address regulatory requirements while identifying and mitigating compliance risks. As a Compliance Lead, you will apply deep regulatory expertise and independent judgment to ensure alignment with Canadian regulatory requirements and integrate local obligations into the global compliance program.
What You Will Do
- Serve as a subject matter expert on consumer protection, payment regulations, and related financial regulatory requirements
- Support the execution of risk controls related to safeguarding, operational risk, and program governance under the Retail Payments Activities Act (RPAA)
- Provide regulatory advice to Product, Legal, Risk, and Operations teams on new initiatives and business changes
- Interpret regulatory developments and translate them into actionable business guidance
- Support regulatory examinations, inquiries, and supervisory engagement
- Oversee required Canadian regulatory reporting and ensure timely, accurate submissions
- Prepare compliance updates for senior leadership and risk governance forums
- Support the preparation of materials for executive and Board-level committees
- Maintain documentation evidencing regulatory compliance and program effectiveness
- Lead the Canada compliance risk assessment and periodic refresh processes
- Evaluate control effectiveness and recommend enhancements where gaps are identified
- Review monitoring outputs and provide expert-level guidance on issue disposition
- Escalate material compliance risks appropriately within global governance structures
- Maintain and enhance Canada-specific policies, procedures, and control documentation
- Support the development of compliance monitoring activities aligned to local risk exposure
- Partner cross-functionally to ensure remediation efforts are implemented effectively
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of compliance, regulatory, or legal experience in a Canadian regulated financial services environment (consumer credit or fintech preferred)
- Bachelor’s degree required; CAMS/CFCS or similar certification is an asset
- Strong working knowledge of Canadian consumer protection and payment regulations along with the applicable regulatory frameworks (e.g., RPAA and related obligations)
- Ability to apply regulatory interpretation pragmatically within a commercial environment
- Experience supporting regulatory relationships and examinations
- Proficiency in Excel and other data analysis tools
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities
Nice to Have
- Experience with compliance monitoring and risk assessment tools
- Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance frameworks beyond Canada
- Certification in compliance, such as CCEP
- Experience in managing or leading compliance projects
- Familiarity with Canadian financial regulatory bodies and their expectations
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a leading fintech company
- Remote work arrangement with flexible hours
- Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Recognition and reward for outstanding performance
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs
- Generous paid time off and holiday policy
How to Stand Out
- Ensure your resume highlights specific experience with Canadian financial regulations and compliance frameworks.
- Be prepared to provide examples of how you've applied regulatory interpretation in a commercial environment.
- Familiarize yourself with Affirm's products and services to understand how compliance fits into the company's mission.
- Develop a portfolio or be ready to discuss your experience with compliance monitoring and risk assessment tools.
- Prepare to discuss your approach to staying updated on regulatory developments and how you incorporate this knowledge into your work.
- Consider obtaining or highlighting relevant certifications, such as CAMS or CFCS, to stand out as a candidate.
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