Merchant Risk Lead
About the roleWe are looking for an experienced High-Risk Merchant Underwriting Lead to drive and mature our high-risk underwriting function across acquiring and PayFac models. The role focuses on establishing robust underwriting practices for complex merchant profiles, ensuring alignment with card scheme expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal risk standards, while supporting sustainable business development.
Experience3+ years of hands-on experience in merchant underwriting, with a strong focus on high-risk merchant portfoliosPrior experience in a senior or lead underwriting role within an acquirer, PayFac, PSP, or similar payment institutionStrong understanding of high-risk business models and associated risk driversIn-depth understanding of regulatory and card schema requirements relevant to high-risk merchant onboarding and monitoring across multiple jurisdictionsDemonstrated professional competence in underwriting, supported by relevant certifications or equivalent practical experience
Soft Skills & LeadershipStrong partnership mindset with the ability to support complex merchant onboarding initiatives within defined risk boundaries and business goalsAbility to build effective cross-functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholdersProactive, structured, and ownership-driven work approach
ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement, and maintain high-risk merchant underwriting frameworksEnsure consistent delivery of comprehensive risk assessments across the high-risk merchant portfolioLead and communicate due diligence outcomes, providing well-supported recommendations on merchant business model and risk mitigation approachesBuild, mentor, and manage the high-risk underwriting teamConduct post-onboarding and periodic reviews to confirm that identified risks are adequately mitigated and controls remain effectiveOwn 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, accountability for remediation activities, and end-to-end communication and case closure with all relevant stakeholders
Experience3+ years of hands-on experience in merchant underwriting, with a strong focus on high-risk merchant portfoliosPrior experience in a senior or lead underwriting role within an acquirer, PayFac, PSP, or similar payment institutionStrong understanding of high-risk business models and associated risk driversIn-depth understanding of regulatory and card schema requirements relevant to high-risk merchant onboarding and monitoring across multiple jurisdictionsDemonstrated professional competence in underwriting, supported by relevant certifications or equivalent practical experience
Soft Skills & LeadershipStrong partnership mindset with the ability to support complex merchant onboarding initiatives within defined risk boundaries and business goalsAbility to build effective cross-functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholdersProactive, structured, and ownership-driven work approach
ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement, and maintain high-risk merchant underwriting frameworksEnsure consistent delivery of comprehensive risk assessments across the high-risk merchant portfolioLead and communicate due diligence outcomes, providing well-supported recommendations on merchant business model and risk mitigation approachesBuild, mentor, and manage the high-risk underwriting teamConduct post-onboarding and periodic reviews to confirm that identified risks are adequately mitigated and controls remain effectiveOwn 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, accountability for remediation activities, and end-to-end communication and case closure with all relevant stakeholders
