About Us: PayerMax is a leading Global Payment Service Provider operating in 80+ countries. As we accelerate our strategic expansion across the Middle East, we are seeking a senior compliance leader to anchor our UAE operations. This is a high-impact role with a clear trajectory to oversee compliance frameworks for additional countries in the region as our footprint grows.
The Role: We are looking for a Buildera decisive regulatory expert to serve as our authorized MLRO and primary liaison with UAE regulators. You will not just maintain the status quo; you will design and implement a scalable compliance architecture that supports our onshore operations and future multi-country expansion.
Responsibilities
- SRO License Compliance: Oversee end-to-end compliance and ongoing maintenance for existing licenses, ensuring full adherence to FinCEN/BSA, SRO rules, AML/CTF, KYC/KYB/EDD and mandatory reporting requirements. Conduct regular internal reviews to verify license eligibility, resolve compliance gaps, and update policies for latest regulatory changes.
- AML/CFT & Sanctions Oversight: Develop and operate risk-based AML/CFT and sanctions screening (OFAC, UN, EU) programs for regulated digital asset activities; monitor on-chain transactions via blockchain analytics tools (Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs), investigate suspicious activity, and file timely SAR/STR reports.
- Additional Web3 License Assessment: Lead data-driven analysis to evaluate the necessity of extra Web3/digital asset licenses (VASP/CASP, MiCA, regional permits) across target jurisdictions. Assess regulatory triggers, expansion risks, cost-benefit, operational impact and timelines, then deliver actionable recommendations to leadership.
- Product & Operational Compliance: Complete pre-launch compliance risk checks for all Web3 products/services to stay within license scope; flag out-of-scope activities requiring new licensing. Advise cross-functional teams on embedding compliance into user onboarding, wallet operations, staking and NFT services.
- Regulatory Liaison & Monitoring: Track global Web3 and SRO regulatory updates, conduct impact assessments for business lines, and act as main contact for regulators, SRO representatives, auditors and compliance vendors. Coordinate license-related audits and regulatory documentation.
- Training & Record-Keeping: Create and deliver targeted compliance training on SRO obligations and license boundaries; maintain organized, audit-ready compliance records, policy documents and license assessment reports.
Must-Have Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Risk Management or related field; JD/LLM a plus.
- 10+ years of hands-on compliance experience in Web3/digital assets, fintech or MSBs, with direct MSB and SRO compliance expertise.
- Proven track record in AML/CTF, KYC/KYB, sanctions compliance and regulatory reporting under FinCEN rules;
- deep understanding of SRO license scope limits.
- Experience conducting Web3 license necessity and feasibility studies for cross-border operations.
- Practical skills with blockchain analytics tools and on-chain risk monitoring; solid knowledge of digital asset trading, custody, staking and NFTs.
- Fluent in English (written & verbal) with strong policy and report drafting skills.
- Strong analytical and project management skills, able to thrive in a fast-paced Web3 environment.
Why Join Us
- Growth: Start by owning the UAE market, with the opportunity to expand your scope to lead Compliance for the wider region.
- Impact: Build the regulatory foundation for a global fintech giant's localized operation.
- Speed: Join a fast-paced, execution-focused team where decisions are made quickly.
To Apply: Send your CV to [[Confidential Information]] with the subject line: Head of Compliance (UAE) - [Your Name]
