Interview Experience: Manager, Compliance at Remitly

The interview process for the Manager, Compliance role at Remitly is a comprehensive and multi-stage process. Based on my experience, I can provide a detailed overview of the interview structure, key questions, and how to prepare effectively for this role.

Interview Process Overview

The process typically involves several stages designed to assess your technical knowledge of compliance regulations, ability to manage teams, and cultural fit within Remitly’s operations.

1. Initial Screening (HR Interview)

The first stage is usually a call with an HR recruiter. This is more of a general conversation to understand your background, experience in compliance, and your motivations for applying to Remitly.

Common questions:

• “Why do you want to work at Remitly?”
• “What experience do you have in managing compliance teams?”
• “Can you describe your familiarity with regulatory requirements in the fintech space?”

During this conversation, I highlighted my experience in managing compliance programs in the financial sector, particularly in areas like AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer). I also aligned my response to Remitly’s mission, emphasizing my passion for working in a global fintech company that serves customers in underserved regions.

2. Compliance Knowledge & Scenario-Based Questions (Hiring Manager or Compliance Lead)

In the next phase, I was interviewed by the hiring manager or another senior member of the compliance team. This part focused on assessing my technical knowledge of compliance regulations and how I would apply them in real-world scenarios.

Sample questions:

• “How do you ensure compliance with both local and international regulations in a global company?”
• “Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a compliance issue that could have led to significant fines or penalties.”

For example, when asked about managing international compliance, I explained how I worked with cross-functional teams to align global operations with local regulatory requirements. I also provided an example of when I identified a potential gap in KYC procedures during an audit and how I led the team to implement corrective actions, preventing possible regulatory scrutiny.

3. Behavioral Interview (Cultural Fit and Team Leadership)

This stage assesses how you fit with Remitly’s company culture and how you lead teams, especially in compliance-heavy environments. The role requires someone who can manage a team while also interacting with other departments to ensure smooth operations.

Common questions:

• “Describe a time when you had to lead a team through a challenging compliance audit.”
• “How do you keep your team motivated and aligned with regulatory objectives?”

In my response, I discussed leading my team through a comprehensive internal audit. The audit involved reviewing transaction monitoring systems for AML compliance. Despite the challenge, I fostered a collaborative environment, breaking down complex tasks into manageable actions and providing regular updates to the team. The audit was successfully completed with no major issues, and I used the experience to further develop the team’s skill set.

4. Technical Evaluation (Compliance Systems and Tools)

The next round was more technical, focusing on your understanding of compliance systems, risk management tools, and how you use data to monitor and enforce compliance.

Key questions:

• “What compliance monitoring tools have you worked with in the past?”
• “Can you describe how you would handle suspicious activity reporting?”

I shared my experience with tools like Actimize and SAS AML for transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting (SAR). I explained how these tools helped us automate some processes, improve efficiency, and reduce human error. Additionally, I described how I would manage cases of suspicious transactions by investigating activity, gathering relevant information, and collaborating with other teams to decide on next steps.

5. Final Interview (Leadership and Vision)

The final round often involves meeting with senior leadership. This interview focuses on your leadership vision, your alignment with Remitly’s long-term goals, and how you plan to scale the compliance function as the company grows.

Key questions:

• “How do you see the compliance function evolving at Remitly in the next 3-5 years?”
• “What steps would you take to scale a compliance program as the company expands into new regions?”

I emphasized the importance of proactive compliance as Remitly expands into new markets. I suggested creating a scalable framework that uses automation for routine tasks, like transaction monitoring, while focusing on strategic risk management for high-priority areas. I also discussed the need for continuous training and keeping the team updated on evolving regulations, especially in new markets.

6. Follow-up Discussion (Compensation, Expectations, and Next Steps)

The final stage often involves discussions about compensation, role expectations, and growth opportunities. This is where you clarify logistical details and assess mutual fit.

Key Skills to Highlight

For the Manager, Compliance role at Remitly, several key skills are essential:

• Compliance Knowledge: Be prepared to discuss your deep understanding of financial regulations such as AML, KYC, OFAC, and GDPR. Show that you understand the evolving nature of these regulations and how they impact global operations.
• Leadership and Team Management: Remitly is looking for a leader who can manage a team, motivate them, and ensure that compliance is integrated into day-to-day operations. Share examples where you’ve led teams through complex audits or regulatory challenges.
• Risk Management: Discuss how you identify, assess, and mitigate compliance risks. Provide examples of how you’ve worked cross-functionally to resolve potential compliance issues before they escalate.
• Automation and Tools: Show that you are familiar with modern compliance tools (e.g., Actimize, SAS AML, NICE Systems) and how you use data to monitor and enforce compliance. Highlight your ability to streamline processes using technology.
• Communication Skills: As compliance is a cross-departmental function, your ability to communicate complex regulatory concepts to non-technical teams is crucial. Provide examples of how you’ve done this in past roles.

Example from My Experience

One of the examples I shared during my interview was when I identified a significant gap in our KYC process while reviewing new customer onboarding. I led the team to re-engineer the process, implementing additional customer verification steps, which significantly reduced risk and helped us avoid potential fines. This experience demonstrated my ability to lead a team to not only identify regulatory gaps but to take swift action to correct them.