Head of Compliance&MLRO

<div><p>To be considered for this role, you must bring<b>direct crypto exchange experience</b>, strong exposure to the<b>UAE regulatory environment</b>, and ideally be<b>VARA approved</b>or have worked closely with VARA in a regulated capacity. This is a critical hire for a business that needs someone credible, hands-on, and able to operate with confidence in a fast-scaling virtual assets environment.</p><p>Culturally, we are looking for someone who has worked<b>both internationally and on the ground in the UAE</b>, and who thrives in<b>startup or scale-up environments</b>. This role will suit a<b>0–1 builder</b>— someone who knows how to put structure, governance, and control into a business that is still evolving, without slowing it down.</p><p>Our client is a<b>global crypto exchange</b>continuing to strengthen its presence in Dubai. This is a high-impact leadership role for a senior compliance professional who wants to build, shape, and lead.</p><h3>The Opportunity</h3><p>We are seeking a<b>Head of Compliance&MLRO</b>to lead compliance, financial crime, and regulatory oversight for the Dubai entity. This is a<b>compliance-first leadership role</b>, suited to someone who can build and embed a strong governance and controls environment from the ground up.</p><p>You will work closely with senior leadership, including the<b>Group CRO</b>, to implement both group-wide and UAE-specific compliance frameworks, while acting as the key point of contact with<b>VARA</b>.</p><p>This role combines<b>hands-on execution</b>with<b>strategic regulatory leadership</b>, making it ideal for someone who can operate at both the detail level and the senior stakeholder level.</p><h3>Key Responsibilities</h3><h3>Compliance&Governance</h3><ul><li>Lead the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the UAE compliance framework across AML/CTF, sanctions, and regulatory obligations</li><li>Build and strengthen policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance frameworks</li><li>Ensure alignment between local UAE requirements and broader group governance standards</li><li>Partner with Internal Audit and wider control functions on testing, remediation, and ongoing control effectiveness</li><li>Support broader regional compliance collaboration where needed</li><li>Oversee the full AML/CTF framework including KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, investigations, and suspicious activity escalation</li><li>Act as MLRO and approve STR/SAR filings as required</li><li>Maintain and enhance customer risk rating and financial crime risk frameworks</li><li>Lead compliance and enterprise risk assessments, identifying and mitigating key regulatory and operational risks</li><li>Advise business, product, and leadership teams on compliance implications of new initiatives and ongoing activities</li><li>Ensure risks are appropriately tracked, managed, and reported to senior management and Board level</li></ul><h3>Virtual Assets / VARA Oversight</h3><ul><li>Oversee Travel Rule compliance and VASP counterparty due diligence</li><li>Monitor on-chain activity and wallet risk through blockchain analytics tools</li><li>Ensure adherence to VARA-specific requirements, including consumer protection, market conduct, reporting, and Responsible Individual obligations</li><li>Act as the primary point of contact for VARA across licensing, inspections, submissions, notifications, and ongoing engagement</li></ul><h3>Policy, Controls&Culture</h3><ul><li>Develop and maintain compliance manuals, policies, and procedures</li><li>Drive a strong compliance culture through training, education, and practical guidance to the business</li><li>Help create a robust yet commercially effective control environment within a scaling business</li></ul><h3>Candidate Profile</h3><p>We are keen to speak with professionals who bring:</p><ul><li>Proven experience within a<b>crypto exchange</b>or regulated<b>digital assets</b>business</li><li>Strong understanding of the<b>UAE regulatory landscape</b>, ideally with direct<b>VARA</b>exposure</li><li>Prior experience as a<b>Head of Compliance, Compliance Officer, MLRO</b>, or a strong deputy stepping into a broader leadership role</li><li>Experience operating in a<b>startup, build-phase, or scaling environment</b></li><li>The ability to work both<b>strategically and hands-on</b></li><li>Credibility with regulators and confidence engaging with senior internal stakeholders</li><li>International experience alongside a strong understanding of local UAE market dynamics</li><li>AML/CFT certifications such as<b>CAMS</b>or<b>ICA</b>are advantageous</li></ul></div>#J-18808-Ljbffr