MLRO & Compliance Officer

About VertoAt Verto, we're on a mission to democratise global finance and empower businesses in Emerging Markets to reach the world. Founded by British-Nigerian entrepreneurs Ola Oyetayo and Anthony Oduu, our roots in Africa provided a firsthand understanding of the significant challenges businesses face with cross-border payments, ranging from illiquid currencies and high fees to slow transactions. This deep-rooted insight is why Africa remains a core focus, as we're committed to bridging the gap between emerging and developed markets and fostering global economic growth.What started as an FX solution for the Nigerian Naira has evolved into a market-leading platform, enabling thousands of businesses to seamlessly transfer billions of dollars annually. We believe that where you do business shouldn’t determine your success or ability to scale. We're creating equal access to the easy payment and liquidity solutions that are already a given in developed markets.We're not alone in realising this crucial need; we're backed by world-class investors including Y-Combinator, Quona, and MEVP. With Verto receiving the Milken-Motsepe Prize, appearing on CNBCs list of fastest growing UK companies, the Deloitte Fast 50 and Sifted’s fastest-growing UK tech companies, we are building a seamless cross-border payment future.Join us as we continue to grow and transform global finance.Role OverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced and strategic MLRO & Compliance Officer to oversee our AML, CTF, sanctions, and broader regulatory framework within the DIFC. Reporting administratively to the Senior Executive Officer and functionally to the Group MLRO and Head of Compliance (with direct reporting obligations to the Board), you will act as the primary regulatory liaison with the DFSA and the FIU. This is a critical leadership position where you will build and mentor the local compliance function, advise senior management on regulatory strategy, and ensure we maintain a robust, UAE-aligned compliance culture as we scale.What You’ll Be DoingAct as the primary regulatory liaison with the DFSA and FIU, taking full responsibility for submitting Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) via the goAML portal.Assess internal reports of unusual transactions, determine reasonable grounds for suspicion, and elevate matters to the UAE FIU in accordance with applicable legislation.Maintain, update, and enforce AML/CFT policies to ensure the robust implementation of KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and record‑keeping procedures.Maintain and periodically update the company’s Enterprise‑Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA), ensuring strict alignment with the UAE’s National Risk Assessment findings.Prepare and present comprehensive AML/CFT reports, including periodic compliance updates and an Annual MLRO Report outlining financial crime risks, regulatory developments, and remediation efforts.Ensure the UAE entity remains strictly compliant with all licensing conditions imposed by the DFSA, CBUAE, and any other relevant UAE regulatory authorities.Develop, review, and enhance compliance policies, procedures, and manuals to ensure they are aligned with UAE laws and regulatory expectations.Act as the primary escalation point for compliance matters and advise senior management on the regulatory implications of new products, technologies, outsourcing, and cross‑border activities.Ensure the timely and highly accurate submission of all required regulatory reports, notifications, and returns to the DFSA, CBUAE, and/or relevant authorities.Design and deliver targeted AML/CFT and compliance training for employees and Board members to embed a strong, organisation‑wide compliance culture.Build, mentor, and oversee a competent local compliance team, ensuring their ongoing professional development and regulatory awareness.What You NeedMust meet the UAE “fit and proper” requirements and apply for and hold Authorised Individual status with the DFSA, CBUAE, or relevant UAE authority as a Compliance Officer and MLRO.Must be resident in the UAE and legally authorised to work in the country, with a physical presence in Dubai required for regulatory engagement.Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar MLRO, AML/CFT, or senior regulatory compliance role within the UAE or GCC.Deep, working knowledge of UAE AML/CFT legislation, CBUAE regulations, the DFSA Rulebook, DIFC legislation, sanctions frameworks, and international FATF standards.Bachelor’s degree in Law, Compliance, Finance, Accounting, Business, or a closely related field.Demonstrated experience in building, mentoring, and managing high‑performing compliance functions and teams.Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the proven ability to present complex regulatory matters clearly to the Board, regulators, and external stakeholders.Strict attention to detail and the ability to operate under pressure to meet tight regulatory deadlines for f