Compliance Officer & MLRO

Compliance Officer & MLRO

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Hybrid)

Salary: Up to 50,000 AED Per Month (DOE)

We're working with an innovative financial institution within the digital assets and trading space seeking a highly capable and experienced Compliance Officer & MLRO to lead its compliance function in Dubai.

This is a senior, strategic role for an individual who combines hands-on regulatory expertise with the ability to operate autonomously in a fast-moving environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring full adherence to UAE and VARA regulations, while helping to build a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Oversight

• Build and manage a fit-for-purpose compliance framework that meets UAE regulatory expectations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with supervisory authorities, ensuring accurate, timely filings and full regulatory engagement.
• Manage the company’s VASP registration and perform ongoing compliance risk reviews.

Financial Crime & MLRO Duties

• Lead the firm’s AML and CTF programme, acting as the appointed MLRO.
• Oversee CDD and EDD checks, transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening.
• File Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and ensure all AML obligations are met.

Governance & Internal Control

• Report regularly to senior management and the Board on compliance risks and issues.
• Develop internal monitoring and assurance plans and ensure effective remediation where needed.
• Review new business initiatives and product launches through a compliance and risk lens.

People & Culture

• Deliver ongoing compliance training and awareness sessions to employees.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics and accountability across all levels of the organisation.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in compliance, ideally within financial services, fintech, or virtual assets.
• Previous appointment as MLRO or Deputy MLRO, with end-to-end AML/CTF oversight.
• Deep knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks (VARA, VASP) and AML legislation.
• Understanding of global standards such as FATF and international crypto compliance requirements.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent English speaker; Arabic proficiency desirable.

Why This Role?

This position offers a chance to take strategic control of a compliance function in a highly innovative business, that’s redefining how institutional markets operate in the digital asset space. You’ll gain direct exposure to senior leadership, have autonomy to shape compliance strategy and influence the regulatory direction of a global, fast-scaling firm.