We're looking for a unicorn.
A Compliance Officer who actually understands crypto, not just compliance.
What you'll do
- Act as the named Compliance Officer on the VARA license
- Serve as the primary liaison between the business and VARA
- Review, refine, and own the existing compliance framework, including AML/CFT policies, risk assessments, controls, and governance structures
- Report directly to the board on compliance matters
- Oversee transaction monitoring, CDD/EDD processes, and blockchain analytics
- Manage regulatory correspondence, supervision visits, and ongoing VARA obligations
- Build and lead the compliance function as the business scales
What we're looking for
Non-negotiable
- 510+ years in compliance, with hands-on experience in virtual assets (crypto exchange, OTC desk, VASP, or custodian)
- Direct experience with VARA, ADGM FSRA, DFSA, or a comparable tier-one crypto regulator (MAS, FCA, FinCEN)
- Proven ability to pass a regulator fit and proper assessment, ideally as a named individual, not in a support capacity
- Deep understanding of AML/CFT frameworks, the FATF Travel Rule, and blockchain transaction risk
- Experience with on-chain analytics tools: Chainalysis, TRM Labs, or Elliptic
- Ability to build and independently own compliance frameworks without relying on large teams or consultants
Strong advantage
- Previously VARA-approved, or holds an equivalent approval from ADGM or DFSA
- Experience in a startup or license-stage environment
- Background in OTC crypto or payments businesses
- Familiarity with UAE Federal AML legislation (CBUAE / FTRA)
Not the right fit if
- Your compliance experience is exclusively in traditional banking, with no real crypto exposure
- You've only operated as an MLRO with no Compliance Officer accountability
- You've never directly engaged a regulator in a supervision or interview context
- You need a large team around you to execute
What our client offers
- Named role on a VARA Virtual Asset Service Provider license
- Equity/stock options, genuine ownership in what we're building
- Seat at the table: direct board access and involvement in strategic decisions
- Flexible and hybrid working, output matters more than hours
- Visa sponsorship for the right candidate relocating to Dubai
- A young, diverse, globally-minded founding team
- The chance to build something from the ground up, not inherit someone else's structure
