Head of Compliance / MLRO (SCA)

Capital Vault is a newly formed crypto infrastructure business backed by the Group. CV is preparing to launch acrypto spot exchange custodial wallet and custody servicesunder theSCA regime in the UAE.The Head of Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) is a dual leadership role responsible for steering the compliance and anti-financial crime strategy of Capital Vault UAE. This position is critical to ensuring the firms operations fully comply with the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) regulations and the broader UAE legal frameworkThe role combines overall compliance oversight (covering areas such as licensing data protection client fund protection and complaints handling) with the dedicated responsibilities of an MLRO to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and functionally to the Head of Compliance for the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region reflecting its high-level accountability and strategic importance.ResponsibilitiesCompliance Leadership & Regulatory Oversight:Compliance Program Management: Develop implement and maintain a comprehensive compliance program covering all aspects of the business ensuring adherence to SCA regulations and applicable UAE laws and guidelines.Regulatory Compliance & Licensing:Ensure the companys operations remain in full compliance with the terms of its SCA license including timely fulfillment of licensing obligations renewals and any required regulatory filings or approvals for new products or services.Policy Development:Draft update and enforce internal compliance policies and procedures in line with current UAE legislation and international best practices.Data Protection:Oversee data protection and privacy compliance implementing measures to safeguard customer information in accordance with UAE data protection laws and relevant international standards.Client Asset Protection:Implement and monitor controls to protect client funds and crypto assets (e.g. segregation of client accounts secure custody arrangements) ensuring robust safeguards in line with regulatory requirements.Complaints Handling:Establish and supervise an effective customer complaints handling framework ensuring timely investigation and resolution of client complaints and compliance with SCAs customer protection guidelines.Regulatory Liaison:Act as the primary liaison with the SCA and other relevant regulators managing all regulatory communications inspections and inquiries. Ensure that any regulatory requests or findings are addressed promptly and thoroughly.Reporting to Leadership:Provide regular compliance reports and updates to the Board of Directors and the Head of Compliance (MENA) including reporting on compliance program effectiveness key risk indicators and any significant compliance issues or breaches.Training & Advisory:Promote a strong culture of compliance by delivering training and guidance to employees on regulatory obligations and ethical standards. Advise internal stakeholders on compliance requirements for business initiatives and transactions.Audits & Monitoring:Coordinate and support compliance audits (internal and external) and regulatory examinations. Continuously monitor and test the effectiveness of compliance controls and implement improvements as needed based on audit findings or changes in the risk environment.Regulatory Change Management:Monitor the evolving regulatory landscape in the UAE (e.g. new SCA rules financial crime laws data protection regulations) and proactively update company policies procedures and controls to ensure ongoing compliance.Anti-Money AML/CFT Program Leadership:Serve as the designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer accountable for the development and execution of the companys Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) program in compliance with UAE regulations and SCA requirements and guidelines.Policy & Procedure Implementation:Develop and maintain robust AML/CTF policies procedures and internal controls ensuring alignment with the UAE legal framework and adherence to international standards (e.g. FATF recommendations).Risk Assessment:Conduct ongoing enterprise-wide ML/TF risk assessments to identify money laundering and terrorism financing risks associated with customers products and jurisdictions. Implement appropriate controls and due diligence measures based on risk findings.Customer Due Diligence:Oversee effective Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence processes for onboarding and monitoring clients (individual and institutional) ensuring proper identification verification and risk profiling. Approve enhanced due diligence measures for high-risk customers and politically exposed persons (PEPs).Transaction Monitoring:Implement and supervise transaction monitoring systems (including blockchain analytics) to detect and investigate unusual or suspicious activities. Ensure that any red flags or alerts are promptly r