Essential requirements:
To be considered for this role, you must bring direct crypto exchange experience, strong exposure to the UAE regulatory environment, and ideally be VARA approved or have worked closely with VARA in a regulated capacity. This is a critical hire for a business that needs someone credible, hands-on, and able to operate with confidence in a fast-scaling virtual assets environment.
Culturally, we are looking for someone who has worked both internationally and on the ground in the UAE, and who thrives in startup or scale-up environments. This role will suit a 01 builder someone who knows how to put structure, governance, and control into a business that is still evolving, without slowing it down.
Our client is a global crypto exchange continuing to strengthen its presence in Dubai. This is a high-impact leadership role for a senior compliance professional who wants to build, shape, and lead.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking a Head of Compliance & MLRO to lead compliance, financial crime, and regulatory oversight for the Dubai entity. This is a compliance-first leadership role, suited to someone who can build and embed a strong governance and controls environment from the ground up.
You will work closely with senior leadership, including the Group CRO, to implement both group-wide and UAE-specific compliance frameworks, while acting as the key point of contact with VARA.
This role combines hands-on execution with strategic regulatory leadership, making it ideal for someone who can operate at both the detail level and the senior stakeholder level.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance & Governance
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the UAE compliance framework across AML/CTF, sanctions, and regulatory obligations
- Build and strengthen policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance frameworks
- Ensure alignment between local UAE requirements and broader group governance standards
- Partner with Internal Audit and wider control functions on testing, remediation, and ongoing control effectiveness
- Support broader regional compliance collaboration where needed
AML / Financial Crime
- Oversee the full AML/CTF framework including KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, investigations, and suspicious activity escalation
- Act as MLRO and approve STR/SAR filings as required
- Maintain and enhance customer risk rating and financial crime risk frameworks
Risk Management
- Lead compliance and enterprise risk assessments, identifying and mitigating key regulatory and operational risks
- Advise business, product, and leadership teams on compliance implications of new initiatives and ongoing activities
- Ensure risks are appropriately tracked, managed, and reported to senior management and Board level
Virtual Assets / VARA Oversight
- Oversee Travel Rule compliance and VASP counterparty due diligence
- Monitor on-chain activity and wallet risk through blockchain analytics tools
- Ensure adherence to VARA-specific requirements, including consumer protection, market conduct, reporting, and Responsible Individual obligations
- Act as the primary point of contact for VARA across licensing, inspections, submissions, notifications, and ongoing engagement
Policy, Controls & Culture
- Develop and maintain compliance manuals, policies, and procedures
- Drive a strong compliance culture through training, education, and practical guidance to the business
- Help create a robust yet commercially effective control environment within a scaling business
Candidate Profile
We are keen to speak with professionals who bring:
- Proven experience within a crypto exchange or regulated digital assets business
- Strong understanding of the UAE regulatory landscape, ideally with direct VARA exposure
- Prior experience as a Head of Compliance, Compliance Officer, MLRO, or a strong deputy stepping into a broader leadership role
- Experience operating in a startup, build-phase, or scaling environment
- The ability to work both strategically and hands-on
- Credibility with regulators and confidence engaging with senior internal stakeholders
- International experience alongside a strong understanding of local UAE market dynamics
- AML/CFT certifications such as CAMS or ICA are advantageous
