We are seeking a senior and experienced professional to serve as both the Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for our VARA-licensed entity in the UAE.
This is a controlled function under VARA, responsible for leading the firm's compliance and financial crime frameworks. The role will ensure full adherence to VARA regulations, UAE AML/CFT laws, and international standards, while enabling sustainable business growth.
The successful candidate will be the primary liaison with VARA and relevant authorities, and will be accountable for maintaining a robust, end-to-end compliance and financial crime control environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Regulatory & Compliance Oversight (Compliance Officer Function)
- Act as the designated Compliance Officer under VARA.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with VARA rulebooks, guidance, and licensing conditions.
- Develop, implement, and maintain the firm's compliance policies, procedures, and controls.
Oversee all regulatory reporting, submissions, and notifications to VARA.
- Act as the main point of contact for regulatory inspections, audits, and supervisory engagement.
2.Financial Crime Compliance (MLRO Function)
- Act as the appointed MLRO under UAE AML/CFT regulations.
- Establish and oversee the firm's AML/CFT framework, including: Customer due diligence (CDD/KYC), Transaction monitoring and surveillance, Sanctions and screening controls
- Review, escalate, and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with relevant UAE authorities.
- Maintain oversight of financial crime risks including money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions, and fraud.
3. Risk Management & Monitoring
- Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance and financial crime risks.
- Design and execute a compliance monitoring and testing program.
- Provide regular reporting to senior management and the Board on compliance and AML matters.
4. Governance & Advisory
- Advise senior management and business teams on regulatory implications of new products, services, and partnerships.
- Ensure robust governance structures, including escalation protocols and committee reporting.
- Support ongoing regulatory licensing, approvals, and inspections.
5. Training & Culture
- Develop and deliver compliance and AML training programs.
- Promote a strong compliance and financial crime awareness culture across the organization.
Requirements
Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience in compliance and financial crime within financial services, fintech, or virtual assets.
- Proven experience serving as Compliance Officer and/or MLRO in a regulated environment.
- Strong familiarity with VARA, UAE AML/CFT regulations, and FATF standards.
- Demonstrated experience managing regulatory engagement, audits, and inspections.
Regulatory Fit
- Must meet VARA fit and proper criteria.
- Eligible to be formally appointed as both: Compliance Officer, and MLRO under the VARA licensed entity.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Ability to operate independently in a controlled function role.
- Sound judgment, high integrity, and strong risk awareness.
- Ability to balance regulatory compliance with business objectives.
Location Requirement
- Must be resident in the UAE to meet regulatory requirements and perform controlled function responsibilities.
