Compliance Officer & MLRO

The Compliance Officer is responsible for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and overseeing the Company's compliance framework to ensure full and ongoing compliance with all applicable VARA laws, regulations, rulebooks, directives, and guidance. The role is independent from operational and revenue-generating functions and is central to promoting a strong compliance culture across the Company.

The Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) is responsible for the oversight, implementation, and effectiveness of the Company's anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and sanctions compliance framework, in line with VARA requirements and applicable UAE laws.

Compliance Officer

Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive compliance framework aligned with VARA requirements.

Ensure compliance with the VARA Company Rulebook, Compliance & Risk Management Rulebook, Market Conduct Rulebook, Technology & Information Rulebook, and VA-activity-specific rulebooks.

Act as the primary compliance liaison with VARA, including regulatory queries, reviews, inspections, and information requests.

Advise the Board and Senior Management on regulatory obligations, compliance risks, and governance matters.

Draft, review, and maintain all compliance-related policies, procedures, manuals, and internal controls.

Establish and maintain compliance registers, including regulatory breaches, incidents, conflicts of interest, and regulatory notifications.

Conduct ongoing compliance monitoring, thematic reviews, and control testing.

Escalate material compliance breaches, risks, or deficiencies directly to the Board.

Prepare periodic compliance reports for the Board.

Ensure effective segregation of duties and independence of the compliance function from operational activities.

Design and deliver compliance training to Board members, Senior Management, and staff.

Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the Company's business and operating model.

MLRO

Establish, implement, and maintain the Company's AML/CTF and sanctions compliance framework.

Ensure compliance with VARA AML-related requirements and applicable UAE AML/CTF legislation.

Act as the primary point of contact with VARA and other competent authorities on AML/CTF matters.

Oversee customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and ongoing monitoring processes.

Review, assess, and escalate suspicious transactions and activities.

Submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to relevant authorities where required.

Maintain the AML risk assessment and ensure it reflects the Company's business model, products, customers, and geographic exposure.

Monitor AML/CTF risks arising from new products, services, or business changes.

Ensure AML policies, procedures, and controls are reviewed regularly and approved by the Board.

Deliver AML/CTF and sanctions training to the Board, Senior Management, and staff.

Maintain AML/CTF registers, records, and regulatory correspondence.

Escalate material AML/CTF breaches or concerns directly to the Board.

Compliance Officer

Must meet VARA Fit & Proper requirements at all times.

Bachelor's degree in law, finance, accounting, business, or a related discipline.

Professional compliance or regulatory qualification preferred (e.g., ICA, CAMS, CRCM, or equivalent).

Minimum 5 years experience in compliance, regulatory, or risk roles within financial services, fintech, or virtual assets.

Understanding of the VARA regulatory framework and virtual asset activities.

High integrity, sound judgment, and ability to operate at Board level.

MLRO

Must meet VARA Fit & Proper requirements and be approved by VARA where applicable.

Bachelor's degree in law, finance, accounting, or a related discipline.

Recognised AML qualification preferred (e.g., CAMS, ICA AML, or equivalent).

Minimum 5 years experience in AML/CTF, financial crime, or regulatory compliance.

Strong knowledge of UAE AML laws, sanctions regimes, and virtual asset-related financial crime risks.

High ethical standards, integrity, and sound judgment.