Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and enhancement of the organization's compliance framework and governance programs
• Act as the primary contact and representative for regulatory matters with VARA and other relevant authorities
• Monitor and interpret regulatory developments affecting digital assets, virtual asset service providers, and financial services sectors
• Conduct regulatory impact assessments and provide recommendations to senior management on compliance implications
• Develop, review, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, manuals, and governance documentation
• Establish and optimize compliance workflows to support business operations and regulatory obligations
• Manage regulatory filings, reporting requirements, approval submissions, and correspondence with regulators
• Coordinate regulatory examinations, audits, inspections, and information requests from authorities
• Perform ongoing compliance monitoring and control testing to assess adherence to regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate compliance records, case documentation, and regulatory reporting documentation
• Identify compliance gaps, recommend corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner with Product, Operations, Risk, Engineering, Legal, and business teams to ensure regulatory compliance across new products and services
• Provide compliance advisory support to stakeholders and promote a strong culture of compliance throughout the organization
• Support business growth initiatives by ensuring regulatory considerations are incorporated into decision-making processes

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Banking, Business Administration, Finance, Law, or related disciplines
• Minimum 5 years of experience in regulatory compliance, licensing, risk, financial crime compliance, or governance functions within regulated financial institutions
• Experience within cryptocurrency, digital assets, fintech, payments, banking, or financial services environments
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, licensing requirements, and compliance obligations within the UAE financial sector
• Familiarity with VARA regulations, VASP requirements, and digital asset regulatory frameworks
• Proven experience managing regulatory interactions, submissions, audits, and compliance monitoring activities
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and translate them into practical business controls
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and regulatory assessment capabilities
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and evolving regulatory environment

Preferred Qualifications‍

• Previous approval as an Authorized Individual, Responsible Officer, or Fit & Proper Person by a recognized financial regulator
• Experience supporting digital asset licensing or regulatory authorization processes
• Knowledge of AML, financial crime compliance, risk management, and governance frameworks
• Experience working with cross-functional business and technology teams within regulated environments
• Arabic language proficiency would be advantageous
• Experience in global crypto regulatory environments and virtual asset compliance programs