ML Risk and Compliance Lead

About the Role

Wave Mobile Money, one of the fastest-growing fintech platforms in West Africa, is hiring an ML Risk and Compliance Lead to build and oversee machine learning systems for fraud detection, anti-money laundering, and regulatory compliance across its Mali operations. Wave processes millions of transactions monthly in Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, and other markets. This role is based in Bamako.

The position requires both strong technical ML skills and deep understanding of financial compliance requirements in West African fintech markets. It is a senior, high-ownership role for a candidate who wants to lead risk technology at one of the continent’s most innovative fintech companies.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy machine learning models for transaction monitoring, fraud detection, and AML screening
• Build risk scoring systems that balance compliance requirements with user friction reduction
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs and legal teams to ensure ML systems meet local and WAEMU compliance standards
• Monitor model performance in production and implement continuous improvement cycles
• Manage and develop a small team of risk analysts and engineers
• Engage with local regulators and auditors on risk technology as needed

Requirements

• Proven experience in ML model development for financial risk, fraud detection, or AML
• Strong Python skills and experience with production ML pipelines
• Knowledge of financial compliance frameworks, especially in mobile money or digital finance
• Excellent French language proficiency (required for the Bamako context)
• Good written English for cross-functional communication with Wave’s global team

Nice to Have

• Deep familiarity with BCEAO regulations and WAEMU compliance requirements
• Experience with graph-based fraud detection or network analysis methods
• Background building ML systems in low-data or imbalanced-class environments
• Prior fintech or mobile money experience in Francophone West Africa

How to Apply

Apply directly through Wave’s careers page at wave.com/en/careers/job/5820496004/. No deadline is listed; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Wave offers competitive compensation, subsidized health insurance, paid parental leave, and a mission-driven work environment.