Head of Compliance
First Circle· PH Hiring
About this role
What You'll Do:
BSP Liaison & Regulatory Affairs
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all BSP examinations, inquiries, and correspondence
- Monitor and interpret BSP circulars, memoranda, and issuances; translate these into actionable internal policies
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of all regulatory reports (MORB, and related submissions)
- Proactively build and maintain a strong, professional relationship with BSP examiners
Compliance Program Ownership
- Design, implement, and continuously improve the bank's compliance framework, policies, and procedures
- Lead the annual compliance risk assessment and testing calendar
- Manage the bank's AMLA/CTF program end-to-end from KYC/CDD to STR/CTR filing with the AMLC
- Ensure compliance with BSP regulations on consumer protection, data privacy (NPC), and financial inclusion mandates
MORB Compliance & Policy Governance
- Own the bank's complete MORB compliance program — mapping all applicable regulations to internal policies, procedures, and controls
- Maintain a master regulatory inventory tracking every MORB requirement applicable to the bank, with clear owners, deadlines, and status
- Lead the periodic review and updating of all bank policies required under the MORB — including but not limited to credit, treasury, IT security, anti-fraud, consumer protection, and risk management policies
- Ensure all policies are board-approved, properly documented, and reviewed on schedule; flag gaps or outdated provisions proactively
- Drive the bank's self-assessment against MORB standards ahead of BSP examinations — no surprises
- Translate MORB updates and new BSP circulars into concrete policy changes, and shepherd those changes through the approval process from drafting to board sign-off
- Collaborate with department heads to ensure their operating procedures are aligned with MORB requirements — and actually followed on the ground
Digital & Fintech Compliance
- Partner with the tech and product teams on digital banking initiatives, ensuring BSP's e-money, digital payments, and cybersecurity regulations are met from day one
- Review and clear new products, channels, and partnerships before launch
- Act as the compliance conscience in the product development process — pushing back where needed, but always offering a compliant alternative
Risk & Culture
- Champion a culture where compliance is a business enabler, not a bottleneck
- Train and upskill staff across branches on compliance requirements
- Report directly to the President/CEO and the Board's Risk and Compliance Committee
What Success Means in this Role
- BSP examinations result in zero material findings
- Rural bank license secured and in good standing
- BSP correspondence responded to within 3 business days
- No regulatory sanctions, penalties, or enforcement actions
- All required licenses and authorities secured to support business expansion
- All new products and channels launched are MORB-compliant
Must-haves
- 5-7 years of banking compliance experience, with meaningful exposure to BSP-regulated entities
- Deep working knowledge of BSP regulations (MORB, MORNBFI), AMLA law, and BSP's digital banking framework
- Track record of managing BSP examinations and regulatory relationships
- Strong problem-solving instinct
- High ownership mentality; comfortable with ambiguity and working without a large team under you (yet)
Nice-to-haves
- Exposure to rural banking, microfinance, or financial inclusion programs in Visayas or similar markets
- Familiarity with compliance tech tools, RegTech, or core banking systems
- Experience reviewing or clearing digital product launches
Mindset & Culture Fit
- You're comfortable with iteration. Policies don't need to be perfect on day one
- You default to systems and documentation, not tribal knowledge
- You move with urgency and own your timelines
- You communicate clearly with both regulators and engineers
- Hybrid work set-up: 2 days per week in our BGC office; remote the rest of the time. Occasional travel trips to Visayas whenever needed.
- Benefits: HMO coverage from month one, free catered lunches, monthly fitness, transportation, and accommodation allowance, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salary disclosed for the Head of Compliance position at First Circle?
The salary for this Head of Compliance role at First Circle is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Head of Compliance position at First Circle located?
This Head of Compliance role at First Circle is based in Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Head of Compliance role at First Circle full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Head of Compliance role in the PH Hiring department at First Circle.
Which team or department does the Head of Compliance at First Circle belong to?
This Head of Compliance position is part of the PH Hiring department at First Circle. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Head of Compliance position at First Circle?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to First Circle's official application portal hosted on workable where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Head of Compliance job at First Circle posted?
This Head of Compliance position at First Circle was posted on May 21, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Head of Compliance
First Circle
You'll be redirected to First Circle's official application page on workable.