We are seeking a Head of Risk and Compliance to build and lead the company's end-to-end governance framework across Risk, Compliance, and Data Protection. This is a high-impact, board-facing role where you will establish robust frameworks, ensuring regulatory alignment, strong risk oversight, and best-in-class data protection practices as the business scales.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance
- Lead and evolve the firm's regulatory compliance framework in line with VARA requirements
- Monitor regulatory developments across VARA, CBUAE, and SCA
- Drive the compliance monitoring programme, including control testing
- Ensure timely and accurate regulatory reporting
- Oversee third-party compliance and outsourcing frameworks
- Act as the primary liaison with regulators on non-AML matters
- Advise senior leadership and the Board on regulatory risk and obligations
- Manage registers (conflicts of interest, insider trading) and coordinate audits
Risk
- Design and own the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework
- Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments and maintain the risk register
- Deliver Board-level reporting on risk exposure, appetite, and emerging risks
- Oversee operational risks across technology, credit, market, and liquidity
- Monitor KRIs and escalate key issues to senior stakeholders
Data Protection
- Ensure compliance with UAE data protection laws and VARA requirements
- Manage data processing registers and conduct DPIAs for new initiatives
- Oversee data subject requests and breach notification processes
- Advise on data governance, consent, and cross-border data transfers
- Partner with the CISO on security-related data protection matters
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience in risk, compliance, or regulatory roles within financial services, fintech, or digital assets
- Strong understanding of UAE regulatory landscape with VARA exposure
- Experience building frameworks in a growing or evolving organisation
- Confident operating at Board and senior management level
- Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution
