Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)

Role Overview

MOSAIK is a Dubai-based fintech company operating a regulated real estate tokenization platform under VARA supervision. We are seeking a permanent MLRO to lead the company’s AML/CFT compliance function. This is a founding compliance hire — you will own the entire AML/CFT framework from day one and shape how the company approaches financial crime prevention as it scales.

The role reports directly to the Board and carries personal regulatory accountability for MOSAIK’s compliance with UAE Federal AML/CFT Law, VARA’s Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook, and FATF guidance on Virtual Assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the AML/CFT Policy, ensuring ongoing compliance with VARA regulations, UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, and FATF Recommendations;

• Receive, evaluate, and make determinations on all internal suspicious activity reports;

• File Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) via the GoAML platform;

• Oversee the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) processes, including PEP screening, sanctions screening, and source of funds verification;

• Manage the relationship with the KYC provider (Sumsub) and on-chain analytics provider (Chainalysis) to ensure effective ongoing monitoring;

• Conduct and maintain the enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk assessment, updating it at least annually or upon material business changes;

• Provide monthly AML/CFT reports to the Board, including STR activity, screening results, risk assessment updates, and compliance metrics;

• Design and deliver AML/CFT training for all staff within 30 days of onboarding and annually thereafter;

• Liaise with VARA, the UAE FIU, and other regulatory authorities on AML/CFT matters, inspections, and information requests;

• Oversee sanctions compliance, including UAE Local Terrorist List, UN, OFAC, EU, and OFSI screening via automated tools;

• Ensure Travel Rule compliance for cross-VASP transfers per FATF Recommendation 16;

• Maintain AML/CFT records for a minimum of 8 years per UAE law;

• Coordinate with the internal auditor on quarterly AML/CFT controls testing and remediate findings;

• Support the VARA licensing process and respond to regulatory queries during application review.

Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in an AML/CFT compliance role, ideally within a VASP, fintech, or regulated financial institution;

• Thorough knowledge of UAE AML/CFT legislation, VARA regulations, and FATF guidance on Virtual Assets and VASPs;

• Experience filing STRs and managing regulatory relationships;

• Understanding of blockchain technology, virtual asset transactions, and on-chain analytics;

• Ability to work independently and build compliance processes from the ground up;

• UAE resident or willing to relocate immediately;

• Must meet VARA’s Fit & Proper Person requirements.

Preferred:

• Professional AML/CFT qualification: CAMS (ACAMS), ICA Certificate in AML, or equivalent;

• Experience with VARA-regulated entities or VARA application processes;

• Experience with Sumsub, Chainalysis, or comparable KYC/AML tooling;

• Experience with real estate tokenization, XRPL, or ERC-1400 security tokens;

• Arabic language skills (advantageous but not required).

What We Offer

• Founding compliance role in a VARA-regulated fintech — shape the function from scratch;

• Direct Board reporting line and personal regulatory accountability;

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (to be discussed);

• Opportunity to grow into a broader compliance leadership role as the company scales;

• Small, fast-moving team with direct access to the CEO and Board.

Work Location: In person