
Smarkets · Chicago
Chief Risk Officer CFTC-Regulated Business Unit Location: Chicago, IL. Fully remote to start, transitioning to 3 days/week in office. About Smarkets Sma...
Chief Risk Officer
CFTC-Regulated Business Unit
Location: Chicago, IL. Fully remote to start, transitioning to 3 days/week in office.
About Smarkets
Smarkets is a prediction market exchange for sports and political trading that has handled over $50 billion in volume since 2010.
We are upending the sports betting industry by growing a platform that offers the best value for traders, with not only the
fairest prices but also the best technology, alongside a superior customer experience.
We believe the foundation to our success is attracting the best people to our organisation and creating a high-performance
environment where they can thrive. We are searching for an atypical candidate with a wealth of regulated business experience to
support the development of our CFTC business.
This is a senior leadership role sitting within our CFTC-regulated business unit, with responsibility for the enterprise risk
management function across our Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO). You will be the most
senior risk voice in the business, owning the identification, assessment, and mitigation of every risk facing the entity. This is
a founding build: our licensing applications are in-flight and you will stand up the risk management framework from the ground up
through to go-live, then operate and mature it as the business scales. You will work directly with the CEO and board, with the
support of the Smarkets UK team behind you.
clearinghouses, or other financial infrastructure providers.
infrastructure in the United States, with direct responsibility for risk and system safeguards, not advisory or supporting
experience.
stress testing, and operational resilience requirements.
translating them into a defensible, audit-ready risk framework.
operational, and systemic risk. CFA or FRM certification is desirable.
with regulators at an institutional level.
stress testing and reporting, ready for go-live.
cyber threats, vendor and third-party dependencies, and compliance and internal control weaknesses.
planning into day-to-day operations.
clear escalation of significant events to the CEO and regulatory authorities.
jurisdictions (for example, engineering in the UK).
business.
dashboards and controls are audit-ready and CFTC-compliant.
regulated trading environment.
valued.
framework.
Our values are at the heart of everything that we do. We believe these are the fundamentals to ensure we are delivering what's
expected of us in the best way possible for ourselves and for those around us.
We offer a competitive salary package and benefits, along with a dynamic and collaborative work environment. Your work with us
will make an impact and your voice will be heard. We are a diverse team with a strong work ethic and plenty of hunger to win. We
have designed our benefits offering around Health, Wealth, Lifestyle and Development.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DCM PUBLIC DIRECTOR / DCO INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR ABOUT SMARKETS Smarkets is a prediction market exchange for sports and political trading that has handled over $50 billion in volume since 2010. We are upending the sports betting industry by growing a platform that offers the best value for traders, with not only the fairest prices but also the best technology, alongside a superior customer experience. ENTITIES Smarkets Board of Trade Exchange LLC Smarkets Board of Trade Clearing LLC ROLE SUMMARY Smarkets is seeking two senior independent non-executive directors to serve on the boards of both Smarkets Board of Trade Exchange LLC (a designated contract market) and Smarkets Board of Trade Clearing LLC (a derivatives clearing organisation). Each director will serve as a DCM Public Director of Smarkets Exchange and a DCO Independent Director of Smarkets Clearing. As this is a dual-board appointment, each candidate must satisfy both the DCM Public Director independence standard and the DCO Independent Director material-relationship standard; satisfying only one will not qualify a candidate for the role. The role provides non-executive oversight and constructive challenge, not day-to-day management; the experience we are looking for is set out below. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Sitting on both boards, the director will contribute to oversight of regulatory compliance, market integrity, risk management, operational resilience, system safeguards, settlement and financial resources, participant access, conflicts of interest, and recovery and wind-down planning — exercising judgment consistent with the public interest, Smarkets Exchange’s self-regulatory responsibilities, and Smarkets Clearing’s safety and regulatory obligations. DCM PUBLIC DIRECTOR — SMARKETS EXCHANGE Board-level oversight of the exchange’s regulatory programme — surveillance, investigations, disciplinary processes, rule enforcement, regulatory budget and resources, and the performance of the Chief Regulatory Officer. The director may serve on the DCM Regulatory Oversight Committee and other committees, supporting impartial decision-making and the fair, consistent application of the Rulebook. DCO INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR — SMARKETS CLEARING Board-level oversight of the clearinghouse’s risk management framework, settlement, participant eligibility, collateralisation model, default management, financial resources, system safeguards, operational resilience, and recovery and wind-down planning. One of the DCO Independent Directors will chair Smarkets Clearing’s Disciplinary Panel, Membership Committee and Appeals Committee, so candidates should be willing to perform committee chair duties — managing conflicts, ensuring procedural fairness, and overseeing disciplinary, membership and appeal matters in line with the Rulebook. CANDIDATE PROFILE Candidates would generally have at least 10 years’ relevant senior experience (or equivalent seniority, expertise or regulatory experience), drawn from areas such as: * regulated exchanges, clearinghouses, trading venues, or financial market infrastructure; * derivatives, event contracts, clearing, settlement, or market operations; * regulatory, compliance, surveillance, enforcement, or legal functions; * financial services governance or board service; * enterprise risk, cybersecurity, technology risk, or operational resilience; * audit, finance, or controls oversight; or * public policy, regulation, or public-interest governance. INDEPENDENCE, ELIGIBILITY AND CONFLICTS The director must satisfy the independence standards for both roles: * DCM Public Director: no material relationship with Smarkets Exchange — i.e. no relationship that could reasonably affect the director’s independent judgment. * DCO Independent Director: no material relationship with Smarkets Clearing. In particular, the individual must not currently be, or have been within the past year, an officer or employee of Smarkets Clearing or an affiliate, or a director, officer, or employee of a Participant or Introducing Broker. Candidates must also meet applicable fitness, integrity, competence, disciplinary-history, and disqualification standards, and are subject to Smarkets’ conflicts-of-interest policies: any actual, potential, or perceived conflict must be disclosed, and the director must recuse from any matter in which they have a conflict. The role is unlikely to suit candidates who are currently (or were within the past year) employed by Smarkets, an affiliate, a Participant, or an Introducing Broker; who hold recent material commercial, financial, or family ties to Smarkets; or who have a disciplinary, regulatory, or disqualification issue affecting director fitness. TIME COMMITMENT The director must attend quarterly board and committee meetings, review board materials, contribute to regulatory and governance discussions, and be available for urgent matters. Additional time may be needed for committee chair duties, disciplinary and appeal matters, regulatory and incident reviews, and meetings with management or regulators. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES * independent judgment and sound regulatory instincts; * integrity and credibility; * willingness to challenge management constructively; * strong governance discipline and practical understanding of regulated markets; * ability to manage conflicts appropriately; and * clear, balanced, public-interest-minded decision-making and communication. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION We’re an equal opportunities employer and celebrate diversity in all its forms. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know — we’re happy to accommodate your needs.
WHO WE ARE ABOUT STRIPE Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform for businesses. Millions of companies—from the world’s largest enterprises to the most ambitious startups—use Stripe to accept payments, grow their revenue, and accelerate new business opportunities. Our mission is to increase the GDP of the internet, and we have a staggering amount of work ahead. That means you have an unprecedented opportunity to put the global economy within everyone’s reach while doing the most important work of your career. WHAT YOU'LL DO RESPONSIBILITIES • Strategic Leadership—Develop and implement a robust AML/CFT compliance strategy across our UAE regulated retail payment services and stored value facility entities, aligned with global FinCRO objectives. Leverage AI, data science, and automation to scale the program. Provide regular reporting to UAE Boards and Senior Management on program health and effectiveness. • AML/CFT Program Oversight—Own and continuously enhance our AML/CFT program, ensuring it effectively prevents, detects, and reports money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, and other financial crimes in line with Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018, Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019, and CBUAE's AML/CFT Standards, Retail Payment Services and Card Scheme Regulations, and Stored Value Facilities Regulations Framework. • Regulatory Compliance—Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable CBUAE licensing conditions, payment services regulations, and broader UAE financial services laws across both entities. Monitor the regulatory environment for changes, assess business impact, and drive timely implementation of compliance obligations. Maintain a regulatory obligations register and own the internal compliance assurance framework. • Regulatory Management and Reporting—Serve as the primary point of contact for the CBUAE and UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (UAEFIU) for all inspections, inquiries, and examinations. Own the end-to-end STR/SAR process via the goAML platform and all other mandatory regulatory submissions. • Sanctions Compliance—Oversee UAE sanctions compliance across both entities, including screening against the UAE Local Terrorist List, UN Security Council Consolidated List, and applicable international regimes (OFAC, EU, and UK). • SVF and PSP Risk Management—Design and maintain AML/CFT risk frameworks tailored to the distinct risk profiles of both license types—including high-volume payment flows (PSP) and e-wallet abuse, prepaid instrument layering, and anonymous loading risks (SVF). Ensure transaction monitoring typologies are appropriately calibrated across both product sets. • Advisory and External Influence—Provide expert AML/CFT and regulatory compliance guidance to product, engineering, and business teams on new products and market expansion. Represent Stripe in external forums, regulatory consultations, and industry groups across the UAE and GCC. • Training and Culture—Champion a strong compliance culture across UAE teams. Oversee delivery of UAE-regulatory-compliant training programs covering PSP and SVF-specific risks. WHO YOU ARE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • Experience—10+ years in financial crime or regulatory compliance, with significant focus on fintech, payments, e-money, or stored value products. Prior experience as a designated Chief Risk Officer or Compliance Officer or MLRO or Deputy MLRO under a CBUAE-regulated or comparable GCC-regulated entity preferred. • Regulatory Knowledge—Deep knowledge of UAE AML/CFT laws (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018, Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019), CBUAE AML/CFT Standards, PSP and SVF regulatory frameworks, and relevant FATF Recommendations. Familiarity with broader UAE financial services regulation and licensing requirements. • Fit and Proper—Must satisfy CBUAE fit and proper requirements and be willing to undergo formal regulatory approval prior to commencement. • Communication and Mindset—Strong ability to articulate complex regulatory concepts to technical and non-technical audiences. Able to translate regulatory requirements into practical, scalable compliance solutions in a high-growth environment. • Data Proficiency—High data literacy, with the ability to work closely with data and engineering teams to identify emerging financial crime patterns and validate detection model effectiveness. • Certifications—CAMS, ICA International Diploma in AML, or equivalent preferred. • Languages—High professional fluency in English is required. Arabic fluency is an advantage. • Location—Hybrid-office based, Dubai. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Experience in a global, matrixed fintech organization across multiple jurisdictions • Existing relationships with CBUAE and UAEFIU officials • Familiarity with the UAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation programme and its AML/CFT implications • Experience designing AML/CFT and regulatory compliance controls for high-volume payment and stored value products at scale
Hello, We are Recognise Bank; a modern business bank built to support the UK’s SMEs with tailored lending and savings solutions. Founded in 2017 by experienced business owners, we set out to challenge traditional banking by offering more flexibility, understanding, and practical support to help businesses thrive. Since receiving our banking licence in 2021, we’ve built a loyal customer base and a strong, diverse team that puts people first. Our vision is building stronger futures with bespoke financial solutions. We understand that no two financial needs are the same, which is why we work closely with UK SMEs and individuals to unlock potential others often overlook. Through smart, flexible lending and savings products, we’re here to build and grow stronger futures for lasting success. Our values shape how we work and grow together: 💪 Can do, will do: We take ownership, solve problems, and adapt as our customers’ needs evolve. ✨ Be brilliant: We show up with curiosity and energy, always striving for better. 🤝 Do the right thing: We act with integrity, responsibility, and care in everything we do. 💡Make a difference: We focus on impact, helping our customers, colleagues, and communities succeed. About the role Sitting in our 2nd Line Function, the Information Security Officer (ISO) plays a pivotal role in helping the bank achieve its growth ambitions in a compliant and secure manner. Working with the Chief Risk Officer and Data Protection Officer the role holder will ensure the bank has robust and proportionate policies, standards and control frameworks in place. Working with 1st Line colleagues from across the bank, but particularly those responsible for Information Security, IT, Operational Resilience and the management, storage and use of data, will provide independent assurance of the efficacy of the control environment and support the delivery of projects and transformational change. A trusted expert and critical friend, the individual will be responsible for working directly with the bank’s Executive Team and Board to ensure they have a transparent understanding of the bank’s risk posture and responsible for increasing Information Security awareness, skills and understanding across the bank.