Head of Compliance and Risk

This is a unique opportunity to join a newly established investment firm at its inception. The firm does not yet hold an investment firm license, and a key initial focus for the Head of Compliance and Risk will be to support and coordinate the process of securing the necessary regulatory license from the Dutch Financial Markets Authority (AFM) in collaboration with other stakeholders.

This will involve preparing required documentation, engaging with regulators, and ensuring the organization is ready for regulatory approval, working closely with colleagues across the business.

Once the license is obtained, the role will transition to establishing and maintaining a robust compliance and risk management framework that ensures full adherence to Dutch and EU regulations, as well as Nasdaq Group internal policies. The role requires a deep understanding of risk management frameworks, European regulatory requirements, and the ability to provide effective challenge and oversight in a highly regulated trading environment.

In addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, the Head of Compliance and Risk will also provide general support to Nasdaq’s European markets business, contributing expertise and guidance on risk and compliance matters as needed across the broader organization.

The Head of Compliance and Risk will report directly to the Head of Compliance – European Markets, with a dotted line to the Nordic Exchanges Risk Officer and the CEO and will play a key role in shaping the firm’s compliance culture and risk management practices from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Licensing Process Coordination: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support and coordinate the process of obtaining the investment firm license, including preparation of required documentation, regulatory engagement, and ensuring organizational readiness.
• Compliance Leadership: Establish and maintain a permanent and effective compliance function, ensuring adherence to MiFID II, IFR/IFD, MAR, Dutch AML Act, Dutch Sanctions Act and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Risk-Based Monitoring: Implement a compliance program based on regular and ad hoc risk assessments, with proportionate monitoring aligned to all applicable regulations.
• Regulatory Engagement: Act as primary liaison with AFM/DNB; oversee accurate and timely regulatory reporting.
• Advisory to Management: Provide guidance on regulatory changes and product governance obligations.
• Enterprise Risk Management: Implement Nasdaq’s ERM framework, including Risk & Control Self-Assessments, Incident Reporting, and Key Risk Indicators
• Business Continuity: Support compliance with Nasdaq’s Business Continuity and Crisis Management Policy including assisting in the development of Business Continuity Plans and facilitating Crisis Management exercises
• Governance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with Board-approved risk and compliance policies; deliver integrated risk and compliance reporting to boards and senior management.
• Policy Development: Maintain and update internal compliance policies in line with evolving regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration: Proactively engage with Internal Audit, SOX, Compliance, Information Security, Supplier Risk Management, Business Continuity and other assurance functions to support an integrated approach to risk management.
• General Support to Nasdaq European Markets: Provide risk and compliance support to Nasdaq’s European markets business, assisting with initiatives and projects as required.

Required Qualifications

• Location: Dutch residency with full-time presence in the Netherlands (mandatory).
• Experience: Proven leadership in compliance within investment firms or financial institutions; strong background in risk management, ideally in capital markets.
• Expertise: Strong understanding of AFM and DNB expectations for operational resilience, outsourcing, and enterprise risk oversight. In-depth knowledge of European and Dutch financial supervision laws. Lead risk horizon scanning for EU regulatory developments (e.g. DORA, MiFID II, MAR, MiCA, IFD/IFR) and assess their enterprise risk impact.
• Languages: Fluency in English and Dutch.
• Ability to implement risk management frameworks in financial services organizations.
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills—able to simplify complex concepts and build trusted relationships at all levels.
• Effective as both an individual contributor and a global team player.

Success Metrics

• Successful coordination and timely completion of all activities required to secure the investment firm license, working effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Consistent compliance with regulatory obligations and timely reporting to AFM/DNB.
• Strong internal audit outcomes and effective risk governance.
• Positive engagement with regulators and internal stakeholders.
• Fostering a culture of compliance and risk awareness across the organization.
• Clear, actionable risk and compliance reporting that supports informed decision-making.

Benefits and Rewards

We offer a competitive, well-rounded rewards package that supports you and your family - inside and outside work.

Actual pay depends on your skills, experience, education, and location. In addition to base pay, we offer short-term incentives (bonus or commission) and long-term incentives (equity), where applicable, as well as the following benefits:

• Annual bonus (monetary bonus and stock units).
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with discounted Nasdaq shares.
• Internal mentorship program and extensive online learning resources.
• Health insurance program.
• Hybrid work model and Flex Day program (6 days a year additional paid leave).
• Pension plan

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.