Head of Treasury — Crypto Exchange (UAE)
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE (on-site)
Timezone: GMT+3
Employment Type: Full-time
Level: Senior Management
About the Opportunity
We are a recruitment agency partnering with a fintech company that is launching a regulated cryptocurrency exchange in the United Arab Emirates.
Our client is currently in the final stages of obtaining a Capital Markets Authority (CMA) license and is building out its core leadership team as part of the regulatory approval process.
The business is backed by founders with a proven track record of building and scaling a profitable crypto exchange operating in the CIS region. The new platform will leverage an already tested technology stack and operational model, with a clear 5-year growth strategy and an ambition to reach IPO.
We are now looking for a Head of Treasury — a key senior management function holder who will be responsible for liquidity, client asset safeguarding, and treasury operations, with direct accountability to the regulator.
Role Overview
This is a critical regulatory and operational leadership role, responsible for ensuring:
- Full protection and segregation of client assets
- Strong liquidity management across fiat and digital assets
- Compliance with CMA requirements and regulatory standards
You will act as a designated senior manager accountable to the regulator and play a key role in building the treasury function from the ground up.
What You Will Be Doing
Treasury Strategy & Liquidity
- Define and execute treasury strategy aligned with regulatory and business requirements
- Manage liquidity across fiat and digital assets
- Design liquidity buffers for normal operations and stress scenarios
- Implement stress testing and contingency funding plans
Client Asset Safeguarding & Custody
- Design and implement client asset segregation frameworks (client vs company funds)
- Oversee custody setup, wallet structures, and banking arrangements
- Ensure accurate reconciliation between:
- on-chain vs off-chain balances
- internal ledgers vs external custodians/banks
Treasury Operations
- Oversee daily treasury activities:
- cash management
- crypto asset transfers
- settlements
- Implement dual control, approval workflows, and access controls
- Manage relationships with banks, custodians, PSPs, and liquidity providers
Governance, Policies & Reporting
- Establish and maintain treasury-related policies:
- Treasury Policy
- Client Asset Safeguarding Policy
- Liquidity Risk Management Policy
- Ensure policies are CMA-compliant and board-approved
- Provide regular reporting to senior management and the Board on liquidity position, asset balances, and treasury risks
Risk Management
- Identify and manage treasury-related risks:
- liquidity
- counterparty
- custody and operational risks
- Define risk appetite and exposure limits
- Monitor counterparties and financial partners
Regulatory & Compliance
- Act as a key point of contact with the CMA
- Support regulatory inspections, audits, and reporting
- Ensure compliance with client asset protection and operational control requirements
Must-Have Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in treasury, finance, or asset management
- 5+ years in a leadership role (Head / Director level)
- Experience in a regulated financial environment:
- banking
- fintech / payment providers
- brokerage (FX / CFD)
- crypto exchange
- Strong experience with:
- liquidity management
- client asset safeguarding / client money
- treasury operations and settlements
- Experience working under financial services regulation (CMA, FCA, MAS, DFSA, or equivalent)
- Hands-on approach with strong ownership and accountability
Nice to Have
- Experience in crypto exchanges or digital asset platforms
- Familiarity with custody solutions (wallets, MPC, custodians)
- Experience interacting directly with regulators
- Arabic language skills
Not a Fit
This role is not suitable for candidates with:
- purely corporate treasury background (e.g. internal cash management, FX hedging)
- accounting-focused roles without exposure to client funds
- no experience in regulated financial environments
Location & Relocation
- This is an on-site role in Abu Dhabi due to regulatory requirements
- Candidates should either:
- already be based in the UAE
- or be open to relocation
- Our client provides:
- relocation support
- visa sponsorship
- assistance with housing
Compensation: Competitive, discussed individually. Relocation candidates will receive additional support, including relocation assistance, visa sponsorship, and housing assistance
Why This Role
- Opportunity to join a regulated crypto exchange at launch stage
- Direct exposure to regulator and executive leadership
- Build treasury function from scratch
- Join a business with a clear 5-year growth plan and IPO ambition
