Licensing Consultant - North America Client Licensing team

This role is part of the North America Client Licensing team and is responsible for managing U.S. client licensing activities, with primary ownership of the Visa Direct Cross-Border Originator Program from a licensing and regulatory standpoint. The Licensing Consultant independently manages end-to-end licensing workflows for Visa Direct Cross-Border Originators, including application intake, regulatory validation, stakeholder coordination, system updates, and final approvals. In addition, the role supports other U.S.-based client licensing applications, mergers, acquisitions, and portfolio restructures.

This position requires strong regulatory judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage moderately complex licensing scenarios with minimal oversight while operating in a controlled, audit-sensitive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Visa Direct Cross-Border Originator Program (U.S.)

• Own the end-to-end U.S. licensing process for Visa Direct Cross-Border Originator participants.
• Review and validate application submissions for completeness and compliance with Visa Rules and program requirements.
• Independently verify Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) across U.S. states using NMLS and state regulatory resources.
• Track licensing validation, approvals, and supporting documentation in accordance with audit and control requirements.
• Coordinate and manage internal reviews with AML, Risk, Customer Support, Legal, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure required agreements are executed, countersigned, and properly recorded prior to final approval.
• Create, update, and maintain Business IDs (BIDs), business classes, and licenses in Visa systems.
• Communicate application status, approvals, and next steps to internal partners.

Client Licensing, Applications, and Mergers

• Manage U.S. client licensing applications, including new entities, license updates, and sponsorship-related changes.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and portfolio restructures by analyzing existing licensing and numerics and executing required updates.
• Administer BINs and other numeric identifiers requiring independent analysis and judgment.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify and address licensing impacts related to client changes.

Operational Excellence & Stakeholder Partnership

• Represent North America Licensing in cross‑functional initiatives related to Visa Direct Cross‑Border and other U.S. licensing programs, ensuring licensing requirements are understood and incorporated early.
• Act as a trusted licensing advisor to Sales, Implementation, Product, Client Services, and other internal partners by clearly articulating U.S. licensing requirements, constraints, and risks.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve U.S. licensing workflows, documentation standards, and tracking, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and audit readiness.
• Identify and escalate policy exceptions, regulatory risks, or client issues that fall outside established procedures, providing clear context and recommended paths forward.
• Support knowledge sharing and informal coaching for Analysts and less experienced team members on U.S. licensing and Visa Direct‑related scenarios.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. 

Basic Qualifications:

• 5 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors Degree or at least 2 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6 or more years of work experience with a Bachelors Degree or 4 or more years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA,  JD, MD) or up to 3 years of relevant experience with a PhD Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Typically 5–8 years of experience in payments, financial services, licensing, compliance, or operational roles. Required Knowledge and Skills:
• Strong understanding of U.S. regulatory concepts, including Money Services Businesses (MSBs) and Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs).
• Demonstrated ability to manage end-to-end application or approval workflows independently. Strong analytical and decision-making skills with sound judgment on escalation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with case management or workflow tools (e.g., Dynamics, OneCRM, JIRA) preferred.
• Familiarity with Visa systems (e.g., VCIS, licensing or numerics tools) is a plus.

Additional Information:

• Individual contributor role with significant ownership and accountability.
• Role is focused on North America, with primary emphasis on U.S.-based clients. Minimal travel required.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for this position is 116,300 to 186,000 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.