My client are a top tier firm who are seeking experienced Regulatory Licensing Professionals to join a high-profile engagement.
In this critical regulatory role, you will be responsible for reviewing, developing, and processing licensing applications for FinTech firms, with a primary focus on Payment Service Providers (PSPs), Digital Wallets, and Stored Value Facilities (SVF).
You will act as the primary assessor for incoming fintech applicants, ensuring their business models, compliance frameworks, and operational readiness align with stringent regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Application Processing & Review: Manage the end-to-end review and processing of licensing applications from FinTechs, PSPs, and digital wallet operators seeking regulatory approval in the UAE.
- Regulatory Assessment: Critically analyze applicant business plans, financial models, governance structures, and risk management frameworks to ensure compliance with regulations (such as Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) and Stored Value Facilities (SVF) regulations).
- Compliance & AML Evaluation: Assess the adequacy of applicants Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and consumer protection policies.
- Technology & Security Review: Evaluate the foundational IT architecture, cybersecurity measures, and data localization plans of applicants to ensure they meet central bank standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the main point of contact for applicant firms; conduct interviews, request additional information/clarifications, and provide guidance on regulatory expectations.
- Reporting & Recommendations: Draft comprehensive evaluation reports, gap analyses, and licensing recommendations for presentation to committees and senior leadership.
- Framework Development: Assist in refining and developing licensing frameworks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and checklists to streamline the fintech application process.
Required Experience & Qualifications:
- Industry Experience: Experience in regulatory compliance, licensing, risk management, or regulatory consulting.
- Niche Expertise: Proven, hands-on experience in the FinTech and Payments industry. Must possess a deep understanding of Payment Service Providers (PSPs), digital/e-wallets, remittances, and payment gateways.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of financial regulations pertaining to digital payments and fintech. Familiarity with regulations is highly advantageous, though experience with other major Tier-1 regulators (e.g., FCA, MAS, ADGM, DIFC) is acceptable.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to dissect complex business models, financial forecasts, and compliance manuals to identify regulatory risks.
- Communication: Exceptional English written and verbal communication skills. Must be capable of writing executive-level regulatory recommendation reports.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field. Professional certifications (e.g., ACAMS, ICA, CAMS) are highly preferred.
- Background: Prior experience working for a Big 4 consulting firm, a financial regulator, or in the regulatory/compliance team of a major FinTech/Payments company is strongly preferred.
