Head of Risk Management - Malta

Overview

This opportunity is for a client of Weekday AI, seeking an experienced professional for a full-time position based in Malta. Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience and be prepared to undertake the MFSA PQ process.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee a comprehensive Risk Management Framework by drafting and enforcing policies to minimize risks across the company.
• Advise the Board annually on updates to the Risk Appetite Statement, defining clear risk tolerance levels aligned with strategic objectives.
• Maintain a detailed risk register tracking identified risks and corresponding mitigation steps.
• Systematically identify, analyze, quantify, and mitigate a broad spectrum of risks, including integrity risks (AML/CFT, fraud), ICT, operational, market, credit, legal, compliance, and conflicts of interest, reflecting all aspects of crypto-asset services and encompassing individual business units, overall entity, and outsourced activities.
• Perform continuous risk assessments to ensure effective risk management.
• Design, implement, and monitor credit and counterparty risk policies, managing risk exposures accordingly.
• Develop and recommend risk measurement methods and monitoring tools, setting risk appetite thresholds.
• Guarantee compliance with all regulatory requirements related to risk management activities.
• Collaborate with senior management on key risks, providing in-depth analysis, exposure insights, and performance metrics; partner across departments to enhance risk controls and support innovation and product development.
• Lead regional efforts for incident response and crisis management.
• Create targeted risk management strategies to control or reduce risk exposure.
• Oversee continuous monitoring systems and deliver regular risk management reports to leadership.
• Conduct annual evaluations of the Risk Management Framework to verify its effectiveness and adaptability to emerging risks.
• Stay informed of industry developments and emerging risk factors, adjusting strategies as needed.

Additional Duties

• Assist in preparing comprehensive reports for the Board of Directors, senior management, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Respond promptly to information requests from regulators and auditors, aiding during thematic reviews.
• Participate actively in meetings as necessary.

Qualifications and Skills

• A relevant qualification in financial services or compliance is mandatory.
• Experience or familiarity with operations in crypto, investment, or banking sectors is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, accompanied by excellent judgment and analytical capabilities.
• Effective follow-up abilities and clear, timely communication are critical.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, with a genuine interest in digital assets and blockchain technology.
• A passion for ongoing learning and an openness to pioneering advancements in technology and compliance.