Risk Frameworks that Grow with You
Effective risk and compliance management isn't one-size-fits-all. The right framework depends on where you are in your journey — and where you're going next.
Build the Foundation
Define your risk appetite and establish a basic policy framework
Assign clear risk ownership; even a small team needs someone accountable for compliance and a path to escalate
Implement lightweight KYC/KYB and transaction monitoring controls to meet minimum regulatory requirements
Leverage modern RegTech and AI-powered compliance tooling for efficiency
Identify your critical regulatory obligations (MSB registration, card scheme rules, sanctions screening) early before they become blockers
Typical risk team profile *: 1-5 people, fractional CRO/CCO, clear responsibilities
$0–$20M raised · 10–50 people
GOAL AT THIS STAGE
Build just enough structure to operate safely, attract Tier 1 partners, and avoid the compliance gaps that derail Series B fundraising, using smart technology to do more with less
Scale with Control
Formalise your risk and compliance framework to meet investor and partner scrutiny: documented policies, defined escalation paths, and a risk register
Invest in AI and ML-driven risk controls, deploying fraud detection, transaction monitoring, and agentic compliance workflows that can scale with volume without linear headcount growth
Build cross-border capability thoughtfully — each new market brings new regulatory obligations
Establish a compliance programme that satisfies bank partner requirements, including audit readiness and evidence of control effectiveness
Typical risk team profile *: 5-10 people, full-time CRO/CCO, dedicated specialists
$20–$100M raised · 50–200 people
GOAL AT THIS STAGE
Move from reactive to proactive risk management. Your framework should enable growth, not police it.
Operationalise & Lead
Transition from project-based compliance to an enterprise risk management model with board-level visibility and formal governance
Build strategic partnerships with regulators and card networks
Implement a global risk and compliance operating model consistent in standards but flexible enough for local regulatory requirements
Govern AI-driven risk systems at enterprise scale: establish board-level oversight and model governance
Prepare for exit-readiness: institutional acquirers and IPO auditors will scrutinise your risk infrastructure as a proxy for operational maturity
Typical risk team profile *: 10+ people, full-time CRO/CCO, specialist teams for key functions
$100M+ raised · 200+ people
GOAL AT THIS STAGE
Risk and compliance becomes a competitive advantage, a signal to partners, regulators, and acquirers that your platform is built to last.
* Actual risk team size and structure depends on your product and market
Get in touch to learn more about how to build your risk and compliance framework to scale as you grow