About the role

Kernel is growing!!! We’re on the lookout for a Compliance Manager to join our team.

As Kernel’s Compliance Manager, you will shape and lead our Compliance Assurance Programme, ensuring every part of the business operates with confidence and integrity. This role goes beyond monitoring; it’s about designing a risk-based assurance plan that strengthens our control environment and drives smarter ways of working. You’ll provide independent insight and practical advice that helps us meet regulatory obligations while supporting innovation and growth.

Your work will sit at the heart of Kernel’s risk management framework, giving you direct influence on how we scale and succeed.

About Kernel

We're a 100% Kiwi owned and operated fintech on a mission to make wealth accessible for every Kiwi. Our investment platform takes the guesswork out of investing – offering KiwiSaver, Managed Funds, US shares & ETFs, and Smart Saver accounts, all in one place with some of the lowest fees in the market.

We're at an exciting stage. Scaling fast, expanding our team of globally experienced financial professionals, and building the foundations for what's next. Our culture is collaborative, hands-on and ambitious – built on trust, innovation and saying it like it is. We value diverse perspectives, empower individuality, and believe the best ideas come from thinking together.

Things move quickly here, and every person plays a key role in shaping our future.

What you’ll do

• Lead our Compliance Assurance Programme (CAP)
  • Design and deliver Kernel’s risk-based CAP and annual assurance plan
  • Carry out reviews and testing to keep us ahead of regulatory expectations
  • Turn findings into practical solutions and track remediation to completion

• Enable strong controls and assurance
  • Build a deep understanding of our processes and systems
  • Provide independent assurance to senior leadership and the Board
  • Investigate compliance issues and partner with teams to improve controls
  • Act as an enabler for smarter, compliant operations across the business
  • Apply sound judgment to navigate ambiguity and complex situations

• Shape policies and procedures
  • Keep compliance policies current, clear, and accessible
  • Ensure ownership and alignment with best practice

• Drive regulatory engagement and reporting
  • Prepare clear, actionable reports for leadership and the Board
  • Support audits and regulatory interactions with confidence
  • Stay ahead of legislative changes and update the CAP accordingly

• Advise and educate
  • Provide expert compliance advice on new products and projects
  • Deliver training that builds understanding and strengthens our culture

• Champion continuous improvement
  • Identify opportunities to make assurance smarter and more efficient
  • Lead automation initiatives that simplify compliance monitoring

You’ll be great if you bring

• 5+ years of experience in compliance, internal audit, risk management, or assurance within financial services with a knack for innovation and change.

• A solid understanding of New Zealand’s regulatory environment, including the FMC Act

• Proven ability to design, execute, and report on compliance assurance reviews or audits

• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex regulations and apply them practically

• Clear, confident communication skills, written and verbal, for diverse audiences

• The ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver in a dynamic environment

• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy

• Integrity and objectivity in every decision

• A proactive, curious mindset with a desire to understand processes and risks

• Collaborative approach to building strong relationships across the business

• Solutions-focused and pragmatic when tackling compliance challenges

• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-growing environment

Bonus things you could bring along to the role

• Professional certifications in compliance, audit, or risk management

• Experience in fintech, wealth management, or digital investment platforms

• Familiarity with GRC tools and systems

Why You’ll Love it at Kernel

• Step into a role where your work shapes the future of investing in New Zealand. You’ll have the chance to influence how compliance enables innovation and growth, making a real impact on both the business and our customers.

• Shape investment products in a way no other fintech in New Zealand is approaching, connecting everyday financial goals with intuitive and customer centric design.

• Contribute to a platform trusted by tens of thousands of Kiwis, helping them feel more confident and in control of their money.

• Join a team built on trust, collaboration, and flexibility, where feedback is constructive and everyone has a voice.
• Competitive compensation package

• Enjoy the best of both worlds with a flexible hybrid setup, connect in person while keeping the freedom to work from home up to couple of days each week (minimum 3 days/week in the office).

• Health insurance, parental leave top-up, and professional development support

• Extra staff holidays, office snacks, coffee, and a dog-friendly environment

Join our team

Not sure you meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply. We value growth, impact, and mindset just as much as specific experience. If this opportunity sounds like you, send us your cover letter explaining why you’re excited about the role and working at Kernel, along with your CV.

Visit our careers page for more on working at Kernel and follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram. to stay connected.