Underwriting & Compliance Specialist

Job DescriptionUnderwriting & Compliance SpecialistMerchant Onboarding, Risk Assessment & ComplianceLocation: Remote (U.S.) Department: Risk, Compliance & Merchant Operations Company: Approvely About ApprovelyApprovely is a payments and compliance infrastructure platform built to support merchants operating in complex and regulated industries. Our platform helps businesses accept payments while maintaining compliance with sponsor bank requirements, card network rules, and regulatory frameworks. We specialize in industries often underserved by traditional processors-including online gaming, fantasy sports, sweepstakes, and other emerging digital platforms-providing both payment acceptance and compliance infrastructure. Role OverviewApprovely is seeking a Underwriting & Compliance Specialist responsible for evaluating merchant applications, assessing risk, and ensuring merchants meet compliance standards before onboarding onto the platform. This role sits at the intersection of risk management, compliance, and merchant onboarding, helping protect the platform while enabling growth. The position requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and familiarity with payment processing risk and regulatory frameworks. You will work closely with Sales, Customer Success, Product, Engineering, and sponsor banks to ensure merchants are onboarded properly and monitored throughout their lifecycle. Key ResponsibilitiesMerchant Underwriting & Risk EvaluationReview merchant applications and supporting documentation to assess risk and eligibility. Evaluate merchant business models, ownership structures, and operational risk. Assess financial stability, processing history, and potential chargeback exposure. Ensure merchants operate within: Sponsor bank requirements Card network rules (Visa / Mastercard) Internal risk policies Identify high-risk indicators including fraud risk, chargeback exposure, or regulatory concerns. Merchant OnboardingManage merchant onboarding from application submission through account activationCollect and verify required onboarding documentation, including: Business formation documents Ownership and KYC/KYB verification Banking information Processing statements Compliance policies and licensing Ensure merchant files are complete and "in good order" prior to approvalCoordinate with internal teams to ensure smooth merchant launches. Compliance & Regulatory ReviewConduct KYC / KYB verification and business due diligence. Ensure merchants meet regulatory and compliance requirements for supported industries. Review licensing, legal opinions, and other regulatory documentation when required. Ensure merchant activities align with sponsor bank and network compliance standards. Portfolio Risk MonitoringMonitor merchant processing activity and risk indicators. Investigate alerts related to: Chargeback spikes ACH returns Suspicious transaction activity Conduct periodic portfolio reviews to reassess merchant risk profiles. Recommend risk mitigation measures such as: Processing limits Reserve requirements Enhanced monitoring. Process & Operational ImprovementsHelp refine internal underwriting workflows and policies. Identify opportunities to improve onboarding efficiency and reduce manual work. Support tooling improvements and internal documentation. Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with: Sales Customer Success Engineering Product Compliance partners and sponsor banks Escalate complex or high-risk merchant cases when needed. Assist with maintaining underwriting documentation and internal policies. RequirementsQualificationsRequired2-5 years experience in payments, fintech, banking, or merchant acquiringExperience with merchant underwriting, onboarding, or risk reviewUnderstanding of payment processing and merchant riskStrong analytical and problem-solving skills High attention to detail and documentation PreferredExperience with high-risk or regulated industries, including: Online gaming Crypto Remittance Sweepstakes Knowledge of Visa/Mastercard rules and sponsor bank programsExperience with KYC/KYB processesFamiliarity with CRM, underwriting platforms, or risk monitoring systems Strong spreadsheet/data analysis skills. SkillsRisk analysis and critical thinking Compliance and regulatory awareness Strong written documentation Ability to manage multiple merchant cases simultaneously Clear communication with internal teams and external partners What Success Looks LikeMerchant applications reviewed quickly and accurately High-quality underwriting packages prepared for approvals Smooth onboarding experiences for new merchants Effective risk monitoring across the merchant portfolio Strong compliance with sponsor bank and card network requirements BenefitsWhat Success Looks LikeMerchant applications reviewed quickly and accurately High-quality underwriting packages prepared for approvals Smooth onboarding experiences for new merchants Effective risk monitoring across the merchant portfolio Strong compliance with sponsor bank and card network requirements Why Join ApprovelyWork at a fast-growing fintech company solving payments for underserved industries Exposure to emerging markets including online gaming and digital platforms Opportunity to shape underwriting and compliance processes from the ground up Collaborative startup environment with high ownership and impact BenefitsCompetitive salary Equity participation opportunity Health Insurance Flexible work environment Opportunity to work directly with company leadership Career growth opportunities as the company scales Exposure to the fintech, payments, and gaming industries Collaborative and entrepreneurial startup culture