Compliance Officer, MLRO & Risk

Join Binghatti Redefining Real Estate Excellence in Dubai

About Us

Binghatti is one of the UAE's most dynamic and fast-growing property brands, headquartered in Dubai. We're known for bold architecture, visionary design and partnerships with global luxury icons such as Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz and Jacob & Co. With a portfolio exceeding AED 15 billion across Dubai's most prestigious developments, Binghatti continues to transform the city's skyline and set new standards for innovation and excellence in real estate.

Job Purpose

The Compliance Officer, MLRO & Head of Risk is a senior control-function role responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the VASP'S's Compliance Management System (CMS), AML/CFT framework, and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, in full compliance with VARA Rulebooks, UAE Federal AML/CFT legislation, and applicable international standards (including FATF).

The role acts as the VASP'S's primary point of accountability to VARA for regulatory compliance, financial crime prevention, and risk oversight, ensuring the firm operates in a safe, compliant, and resilient manner reporting directly to the Board.

Responsibilities & Duties

Regulatory & Compliance Framework

• Establish, maintain, implement, and oversee the Compliance Management System (CMS) covering all VARA-regulated activities and operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, VARA Rulebooks, policies, and internal procedures.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically review compliance policies, procedures, manuals, and internal controls, including but not limited to: Conduct of business, Market integrity, Client protection, Data protection and confidentiality and Business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR)
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impact on the VASP and update compliance frameworks accordingly.
• Report compliance activities, results of compliance audits, and significant findings to the Board.
• Ensure timely remediation of deficiencies identified in the Compliance Management System and any instances of non-compliance with applicable laws or regulatory requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact and liaison with VARA and other competent regulatory authorities, including responding to supervisory requests and regulatory notifications.
• Maintain insider lists and monitor staff and Board transactions to prevent market offences.
• Ensure Client Money and Client VAs are segregated and appropriately labelled.

Anti-Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing Controls

• Serve as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) under VARA's AML/CFT obligations and applicable UAE federal law.
• Implement & oversee AML/CFT policies, procedures, and systems consistent with VARA's rulebooks, Federal AML/CFT legislation, and FATF standards.
• Conduct risk-based AML/CFT assessments; monitor, review, and report suspicious activities.
• Ensure compliance with the FATF Travel Rule for transactions exceeding AED 3,500.
• Submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other statutory AML/CFT reports to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and VARA as required.
• Ensure appropriate client due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients, and ongoing monitoring of transactions and client relationships.
• Maintain an effective AML/CFT program including screening, transaction monitoring, watch-list checks, and record-keeping.

Risk Management & Oversight:

• Establish, implement, and maintain the VASP'S's Enterprise Risk Management framework, aligned with VARA requirements and recognized best practices (e.g. ISO 31000, COSO ERM).
• Identify, assess, monitor, and report risks across all risk categories.
• Develop and maintain the VASP'S's Risk Appetite Statement, risk tolerances, and supporting policies.
• Maintain risk registers, key risk indicators (KRIs), and risk dashboards.

Training and Awareness:

• Lead compliance training programmes to ensure all staff, including Senior Management, understand regulatory requirements and internal standards (including AML/CFT, data protection).
• Promote awareness of compliance requirements and ethical standards throughout the organization.
• Monitor training effectiveness and update programs as needed to address emerging risks.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance and accountability across the organization.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Reports to Board of Directors and relevant committees.
• Ensure senior management and Board are informed of material compliance and AML/CFT issues.
• Escalate material risks, emerging threats, and breaches to the Board in a timely manner.
• Provides regular reports on compliance performance, AML/CFT risks, key incidents, audits, and regulatory developments.
• Prepare and submit compliance reports to senior management and regulatory authorities.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to compliance activities and initiatives.
• Ensure books and records are retained in original/native format for a minimum of eight (8) years.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in compliance reporting and documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Risk Management, Compliance, Business, or a related discipline.
• 57 years of experience in compliance functions in financial services or regulated environments, serving as a Compliance Officer.
• Deep understanding of VARA regulations, UAE federal AML/CFT laws, FATF standards, and virtual asset regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in virtual asset service providers (VASPs), fintech, or digital asset providers.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, CCEP, ICA, AML) are an advantage.