Merchant Underwriting Team Lead

About the Role

The day-to-day responsibilities of this role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, including sales, risk, and compliance, to develop and implement effective underwriting strategies. You will also be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of underwriters, providing guidance and support to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality underwriting decisions.

Unlimit's commitment to innovation and excellence is reflected in its cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking approach to fintech. As a member of the Unlimit team, you will be part of a dynamic and fast-paced environment that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

What You Will Do

• Develop, implement, and maintain high-risk merchant underwriting frameworks that align with card scheme expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal risk standards.
• Lead and communicate due diligence outcomes, providing well-supported recommendations on merchant business models and risk mitigation approaches.
• Build, mentor, and manage a team of high-risk underwriters, ensuring consistent delivery of comprehensive risk assessments across the high-risk merchant portfolio.
• Conduct post-onboarding and periodic reviews to confirm that identified risks are adequately mitigated and controls remain effective.
• Own and manage inbound requests from payment schemes and regulators, including assessment of identified gaps or non-compliance, preparation and coordination of action and mitigation plans, and end-to-end communication and case closure with all relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, risk, and compliance, to develop and implement effective underwriting strategies.
• Provide guidance and support to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality underwriting decisions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including merchants, regulators, and payment schemes.
• Stay up-to-date with industry developments, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in fintech and underwriting.

What We Are Looking For

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in merchant underwriting, with a strong focus on high-risk merchant portfolios.
• Prior experience in a senior or lead underwriting role within an acquirer, PayFac, PSP, or similar payment institution.
• Strong understanding of high-risk business models and associated risk drivers.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory and card scheme requirements relevant to high-risk merchant onboarding and monitoring across multiple jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated professional competence in underwriting, supported by relevant certifications or equivalent practical experience.
• Soft skills, including strong partnership mindset, ability to build effective cross-functional collaboration, and proactive, structured, and ownership-driven work approach.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to lead and manage a team of underwriters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and mitigate risk.

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI-native financial infrastructure and intelligent automation.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in fintech, including blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital wallets.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and collaborative work environments.
• Certification in a related field, such as anti-money laundering (AML) or know-your-customer (KYC).

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package, including salary and benefits.
• Opportunity to work with a cutting-edge fintech company that is pushing the boundaries of digital payments.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment that values creativity, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and career growth.
• Access to the latest technology and tools, including AI-native financial infrastructure and intelligent automation.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Remote stipend to support remote work arrangements.

• Develop a strong understanding of high-risk business models and associated risk drivers to stand out as a candidate.
• Showcase your experience with regulatory and card scheme requirements relevant to high-risk merchant onboarding and monitoring.
• Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage a team of underwriters, including experience with agile development methodologies and collaborative work environments.
• Be prepared to discuss emerging trends in fintech, including blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital wallets.
• Demonstrate your ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and mitigate risk, including experience with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
• Show a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and tools, including AI-native financial infrastructure and intelligent automation.
• Research Unlimit's company culture and values to understand their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.