Head of Risk

Head Of Risk

New Jersey, United States

Are you a Head of Risk who thrives on protecting the business, leading high-performing teams, and building strong risk, fraud, and KYC operations in a regulated environment?

Smart State is a rapidly growing technology company, bringing together expertise in software engineering, analytics, and product management to deliver reliable and innovative digital solutions. Smart State is a place where talents from different niches can make real changes across the industry. We create an environment to let smart ideas act boldly.

Location: Fort Lee, New Jersey (100% On-site) Work Mode: Full-time, office-based (Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available)

The Role: As the Head of Risk, you will lead and coordinate our Risk, Fraud, and KYC functions across both in-house and outsourced teams. You will be responsible for building scalable processes, strengthening fraud prevention controls, and ensuring timely, compliant operational execution. This role requires a proactive leader who can balance strategy, execution, and cross-functional collaboration to support business integrity and long-term growth.

What You'll Do

• Build, lead, and coordinate the Risk, Fraud, and KYC teams in the New Jersey office.
• Oversee and manage Risk, Fraud, and KYC functions in outsourced locations, ensuring alignment with internal standards and operational goals.
• Develop and implement a robust Anti-Fraud strategy for the NJ license, including rules, triggers, and workflow processes.
• Ensure timely and efficient processing of customer withdrawals, KYC documentation, and related procedures in alignment with SLA targets.
• Collaborate with the AML function by identifying and reporting suspicious player activity to the MLRO.
• Establish and maintain effective workflows between Risk, Customer Support, and VIP teams.
• Develop, document, and continuously improve procedures related to Antifraud, Risk Management, and KYC.
• Monitor daily SLAs and brand KPIs, and report findings to the Head of Operations.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience leading Risk, Fraud, and KYC functions in a regulated industry, ideally within iGaming, sports betting, fintech, or payments.
• Strong understanding of fraud prevention strategies, rules engines, triggers, case workflows, and operational risk controls.
• Hands-on experience managing customer withdrawals, KYC reviews, and verification processes in high-volume environments.
• Familiarity with AML processes and the ability to identify and escalate suspicious activity to the appropriate compliance stakeholders.
• Experience managing both in-house and outsourced teams across multiple operational functions.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to monitor SLAs, KPIs, and operational performance metrics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to build processes, improve workflows, and create clear procedural documentation.
• Proactive, organized, and execution-focused approach to risk operations management.

Nice to Have

• Experience working under a New Jersey gaming license or within other regulated US jurisdictions.
• Background in online gaming, sportsbook, casino, payments, or another fast-paced transactional environment.
• Experience building or scaling risk operations during periods of company growth or market expansion.

Why Join Smart State Inc.?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401K plan, and more.
• Generous PTO policy.
• A dynamic and collaborative international work environment.
• Breakfasts and lunches in the office (partially paid by the company).
• Birthdays, milestones and employee anniversaries celebrations.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Smart State Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Salary range: $225,000 - $245,000 USD

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