Merchant Underwriting Team Lead

About

Unlimit operates across 17 offices globally and is seeking a High-Risk Merchant Underwriting Lead to drive and mature the high-risk underwriting function across acquiring and PayFac models. The role focuses on establishing robust underwriting practices for complex merchant profiles, ensuring alignment with card scheme expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal risk standards, while supporting sustainable business development.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain high-risk merchant underwriting frameworks
• Ensure consistent delivery of comprehensive risk assessments across the high-risk merchant portfolio
• Lead and communicate due diligence outcomes, providing well-supported recommendations on merchant business model and risk mitigation approaches
• Build, mentor, and manage the high-risk underwriting team
• Conduct post-onboarding and periodic reviews to confirm that identified risks are adequately mitigated and controls remain effective
• Own and manage inbound requests from payment schemes and regulators, including assessment of identified gaps or non-compliance, preparation and coordination of action and mitigation plans, accountability for remediation activities, and end-to-end communication and case closure with all relevant stakeholders

Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in merchant underwriting, with a strong focus on high-risk merchant portfolios
• Prior experience in a senior or lead underwriting role within an acquirer, PayFac, PSP, or similar payment institution
• Strong understanding of high-risk business models and associated risk drivers
• In-depth understanding of regulatory and card schema requirements relevant to high-risk merchant onboarding and monitoring across multiple jurisdictions
• Demonstrated professional competence in underwriting, supported by relevant certifications or equivalent practical experience

Soft Skills & Leadership

• Strong partnership mindset with the ability to support complex merchant onboarding initiatives within defined risk boundaries and business goals
• Ability to build effective cross-functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Proactive, structured, and ownership-driven work approach