About the Company
We are working with a well-funded Dubai-based Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization platform building regulated infrastructure at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets. The company is currently progressing through its licensing journey with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and is looking to appoint a senior compliance leader to take ownership of regulatory engagement and the build-out of its compliance framework.
This is a rare opportunity to join a high growth project at licensing stage, with direct influence over regulatory strategy, governance structure, and market entry in the UAE.
Role Overview
The Chief Compliance Officer / MLRO will lead the company's regulatory and financial crime compliance function and act as the primary point of contact with VARA during the licensing process and beyond.
This individual will play a critical role in securing regulatory approval and ensuring the organisation operates to the highest standards of compliance within the UAE virtual asset framework.
Key Responsibilities
VARA Licensing & Regulatory Engagement
- Lead the company's ongoing VARA licensing application
- Act as primary liaison with VARA regulators
- Own regulatory submissions, responses, and policy alignment
- Support governance structuring aligned with UAE regulatory expectations
- Maintain oversight of licensing milestones and approvals
Compliance Framework Development
- Design and implement the company's compliance programme
- Establish policies aligned with UAE virtual asset regulations
- Build internal compliance controls and monitoring frameworks
- Ensure readiness for regulatory audits and inspections
Financial Crime & AML Oversight (MLRO Function)
- Serve as the appointed Money Laundering Reporting Officer
- Develop and maintain AML/CFT frameworks
- Oversee transaction monitoring and reporting obligations
- Manage Suspicious Activity Reporting where required
- Ensure alignment with UAE AML regulations and FATF standards
Governance & Risk
- Advise executive leadership on regulatory strategy
- Support board-level compliance reporting
- Build compliance culture across the organisation
- Identify and mitigate regulatory and financial crime risks
EssentialRequirements
- Prior experience working directly with VARA regulatory frameworks
- Experience supporting or leading a virtual asset licence application in the UAE
- Previous appointment as CCO, MLRO, or Compliance Lead within a regulated environment
- Strong knowledge of AML/CFT requirements for digital asset businesses
- Experience engaging with regulators during licensing or supervisory processes
- Ability to join immediately or on short notice
Preferred
- Experience within crypto, Web3, digital assets, or tokenization platforms
- Exposure to RWA tokenization structures
- Background working with exchanges, custodians, brokers, or virtual asset service providers
- Experience building compliance functions from early stage
Why This Opportunity
- Join a well-funded RWA tokenization platform
- Play a leadership role in securing VARA approval
- Shape compliance strategy from the ground up
- Work closely with executive leadership and regulators
- Receive equity participation alongside base compensation
- Opportunity to influence a next-generation regulated Web3 infrastructure business in Dubai
