Compliance Officer – MSO Licence Application

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Compliance Officer to lead and manage the application for a Money Service Operator (MSO) Licence in Hong Kong. The role involves overseeing the end‑to‑end licensing process, ensuring compliance with Hong Kong regulatory requirements, and establishing a robust compliance framework for money service operations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end MSO licence application, preparing and submitting business plans, compliance policies and supporting documentation.
• Act as the primary liaison with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, handling enquiries, interviews and inspections.
• Develop and implement AML/CTF policies, including KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring and suspicious transaction reporting.
• Conduct compliance risk assessments and maintain internal controls for money service activities.
• Collaborate with business, operations and technology teams to ensure operational readiness and ongoing compliance after licence approval.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of regulatory compliance experience, preferably within money service operators, remittance, payment services or banking.
• Hands‑on experience managing a Hong Kong MSO licence application is strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Chinese (Mandarin and/or Cantonese).

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of Hong Kong MSO licensing regime and AML/CTF regulations (AMLO, Cap. 615).
• Experience preparing regulatory submissions, compliance manuals, business plans and AML/CTF policies.
• Strong project management and attention to detail, with ability to work independently.