High Risk Approval Specialist

Location: Global

Team: General

About the Role

Wise is a global technology company on a mission to build the best way to move and manage the world’s money with min fees, max ease, and full speed. As a High Risk Approval Specialist in our Tallinn-based Operations team, you will play a critical role in ensuring Wise adheres to regulatory and compliance requirements. You’ll conduct enhanced due diligence, analyse customer activities and behaviour patterns, and approve onboarding for high-risk customers, those with ties to high-risk third countries, and low tax jurisdictions—all while supporting our financial crime program driven by transparency and customer protection. In this role, you’ll review high-risk reports, perform in-depth analyses using internal and external sources, mentor junior analysts, and contribute to process improvements and policy updates. With a minimum of 1 year in AML or similar compliance roles, strong analytical skills, and a risk-based decision-making mindset, you’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, handling complex cases, drafting reports, and staying ahead of AML/CFT regulations across geographies. Join us to help create a new network for the world’s money, for everyone, everywhere. This global role offers 2275-2775 EUR monthly, flexible working, RSUs, health insurance, learning budgets, and more, with opportunities to grow in a mission-driven team.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and assess high risk customer reports to provide analysis and approval as per set policies and procedures
• Review customer transaction history and provide insights into customer behaviour patterns that may indicate risks
• Conduct periodic reviews and analyse changes in customers history and account usage
• Conduct in depth analysis using provided documentation or external sources ensuring only customers within risk appetite are onboarded
• Perform searches utilising Internet sources and/or third-party vendors to obtain information on prospects and new/existing customers
• Communicate with other internal teams when required to handle escalated or complicated cases
• Mentor and support Senior Management Approval Analyst by providing training and coaching
• Assist in identifying improvement opportunities and contribute to policy updates, training materials, and standard operating procedures

Required Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written English skills (additional language skills are a plus)
• Minimum of 1 year working experience at Wise in DD, AML or similar Financial Crime compliance role, or comparable role at another company
• Good understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding customer verification, preferably from a market that Wise currently operates in
• Good understanding of AML/CFT Regulations and ability to effectively document reasoning
• Ability to take decisions and apply risk-based approach

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Law, or related field
• Certifications: ICA, CAMS, or equivalent
• Familiarity with reading legal and regulatory documents

Required Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Attention to detail
• Analytical skills
• Ability to adhere to strict KPIs in a fast paced and high pressure environment
• Punctual, independent, proactive and willing to get things done
• Ability to handle routine and stressful situations well
• Ability to work autonomously within well-defined procedures
• Capable of identifying gaps in policies and processes
• Deep understanding of different business models, customer types, country risks and regulatory requirements

Benefits

• RSUs (stock options)
• Flexible working
• Parental leave
• Learning budget
• Paid sabbatical after 4 years
• Health insurance
• Company retreat
• Wise card

Wise is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce.