Payments Compliance & Licensing Manager

About UsBlinq Payment Technologies is a pioneering fintech startup on a mission to democratize finance for SMEs across the region. We leverage cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to streamline and automate financial services, empowering consumers, business owners, and companies to effortlessly manage their finances, optimize operations, and achieve greater financial success.Role SummaryWe are hiring a Payments Compliance & Licensing Manager to lead two critical mid-term priorities for the group:Obtain MPI (Major Payment Institution) licence in Singapore, andBuild and operationalise Issuing & Acquiring compliance frameworks to support regional payment products.This role will act as the central execution owner across licensing, regulatory engagement, internal readiness, and cross-functional coordination (Product, Tech, Ops, Legal, Finance). The role is hands-on, delivery-oriented, and requires strong regulatory fluency in payments.Key Responsibilities1. Singapore MPI Licence (Primary Mid-Term Goal)Lead end-to-end MPI licence application with MAS, including:Licence strategy (scope, regulated activities, thresholds)Gap analysis against MAS requirementsPreparation of application documents, policies, and supporting materialsCoordinate internal stakeholders to ensure readiness across:Governance, risk management, AML/CFTSafeguarding of customer fundsTechnology, operations, outsourcing arrangementsAct as the main point of contact with regulators, advisors, and consultants.Track licensing milestones, risks, and dependencies; escalate proactively.2. Issuing & Acquiring Compliance (Primary Mid-Term Goal)Design and implement compliance frameworks for:Card issuing (e.g. BIN sponsorship, card lifecycle controls)Merchant acquiring (onboarding, underwriting, monitoring)Align internal processes with:Network rules (Visa / Mastercard)Regulatory expectations (MAS and relevant regional regulators)Work closely with Product & Tech to ensure compliance is embedded into:Product designTransaction flowsControl points and audit trailsSupport partner due diligence (banks, processors, schemes).3. Governance, Policies & ControlsDraft, review, and maintain core payments policies, including:AML/CFT, risk assessment, safeguarding, complaints handlingOutsourcing and third-party riskEstablish internal control checklists and readiness packs for audits and reviews.Support internal training and awareness on payments compliance topics.4. Cross-Functional & Regional CoordinationAct as a bridge between Malaysia execution teams and Singapore regulatory requirements.Coordinate inputs from Legal, Finance, Ops, Tech, and external advisors.Provide clear updates to senior management on progress, risks, and decisions required.RequirementsExperience6–10+ years of experience in payments compliance, licensing, or regulatory rolesDirect experience with MAS regulations strongly preferredHands-on exposure to Issuing and/or Acquiring (bank, fintech, processor, scheme, or sponsor bank)Experience managing licence applications, regulatory submissions, or auditsKnowledge & SkillsStrong understanding of:Payment Services Act (PSA)MPI licence requirementsAML/CFT in payments contextAble to translate regulatory requirements into practical executionStrong stakeholder management and documentation skillsComfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-moving environments