Associate Director of Compliance (Crypto)

Location

N/A

At

• j. awan & partners
• , we believe in “challenging the status quo every day”, delivering seamless excellence to our customers across the world.
• We challenge the status quo by making tailor-made solutions to meet the specific requirements of our client’s business interests and delivering our solutions to their needs with effective simplicity.
• We understand that time is precious and as such our tailor-made solutions are simple to understand, simple to embed and simple to use.
• We are a fast-growing international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Consultancy with our headquarters in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC).
• We also have our own Technology company creating bespoke cutting edge RegTech solutions.
• Our business presence covers multiple jurisdictions with offices in the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar and now in South Africa.
• We provide Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment and Technology services (the “Services”) to a large number of clients including global, regional and local financial services institutions, governments and other industry partners.
• As part of our global expansion plan, we are now looking for an ambitious and agile professional with a strong background in Crypto Compliance to join our team.
• Mission / Purpose of the Role
• The Director – Compliance will report to the Deputy CEO and oversee a portfolio of client mandates while ensuring the delivery of industry-leading regulatory compliance and AML/CTF programs across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
• The role is responsible for supporting clients in structuring and implementing robust compliance frameworks, maintaining strong regulatory alignment, and serving as a key point of coordination with relevant authorities.
• In addition, the Director will contribute to JAP’s growth strategy by converting existing company relationships into new business opportunities and driving the expansion of the compliance practice across the UAE.
• 12–18 Month Mission Outcomes (“What Success Looks Like”)
• Mission / Outcome → Success Metrics / Measures
• 1) Ensure full regulatory compliance with ADGM/FSRA/VARA requirements
• All regulatory filings submitted accurately and on time
• No regulatory breaches
• Successful completion of audits without major findings
• 2) Implement and maintain a robust AML/CTF framework
• 100% of client onboarding and monitoring processes comply with AML/CTF policies
• Timely submission of SARs
• Minimal compliance gaps identified in audits
• 3) Provide strategic compliance and advisory support to clients
• Positive client feedback on regulatory guidance
• Enhanced client compliance programs with measurable improvements
• 4) Strengthen business development and client engagement
• New client acquisitions
• Increased market share and revenue from compliance services
• Successful representation at industry events
• 5) Conduct internal training and awareness programs
• Completion of scheduled compliance and AML/CTF training sessions
• Staff demonstrate understanding through assessments or audits
• 6) Audit, monitor, and improve compliance processes
• Regular compliance reviews completed
• Identified gaps addressed with corrective action
• Internal controls strengthened
• 7) Maintain accurate documentation and reporting
• All compliance records, policies, and reports are audit-ready
• Timely submission of regulatory filings
• 8) Foster leadership, team development, and company culture
• Team members trained and coached
• High engagement scores; positive feedback from colleagues and clients
• Strong promotion of JAP brand and culture
• 9) Continuously improve compliance and AML/CTF systems
• Implementation of new processes, tools, or automation
• Measurable reduction in compliance risks
• Adoption of industry best practices

Key Responsibilities

• Act as primary contact with

Adgm/Fsra/Vara

• ; monitor and implement regulatory changes.
• Develop and update internal compliance policies and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and report to management and regulators.

Success Indicators

• No regulatory breaches.
• All FSRA filings submitted accurately and on time.
• Audit findings minimal or resolved promptly.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as

MLRO

• ; implement AML/CTF controls.
• Oversee client onboarding,

Cdd/Edd

• , and monitoring.
• Investigate suspicious transactions and maintain AML/CTF records.

Success Indicators

• 100% compliance with AML/CTF procedures.
• Timely submission of

SARs

• .
• Compliance gaps identified and remediated.

Key Responsibilities

• Leverage global relationships to source new business and onboard clients.
• Strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• Represent JAP at events and advise clients on compliance.

Success Indicators

• New client acquisitions and revenue growth.
• Positive client feedback.
• Improved client compliance programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver compliance and AML/CTF training for staff and clients.
• Provide guidance on regulatory matters.

Success Indicators

• Training sessions delivered on schedule.
• Staff demonstrate understanding through assessments or audits.
• High engagement in compliance culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Conduct compliance reviews and spot checks.
• Identify and remediate control weaknesses.

Success Indicators

• Compliance reviews completed on schedule.
• Gaps addressed with corrective action.
• Strengthened internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain records of compliance activities, policies, and reporting.
• Ensure audit readiness and prepare regulatory filings.

Success Indicators

• All documentation audit-ready.
• Timely submission of reports and filings.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate compliance risks and obligations to senior management.
• Foster relationships with stakeholders, auditors, regulators, and clients.
• Represent consultancy professionally.

Success Indicators

• Effective risk communication.
• Strong stakeholder relationships and professional representation at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Stay updated on regulatory developments.
• Refine compliance/AML systems, processes, and training.
• Implement best practices.

Success Indicators

• Implementation of improved processes/tools.
• Measurable reduction in compliance risk.
• Adoption of industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote JAP culture and brand.
• Support recruitment, training, and retention.
• Coach and develop team members.

Success Indicators

• High employee engagement.
• Strong team performance.
• Positive feedback on leadership and coaching.

Core Competencies

• **Adaptability & Problem-Solving**
• A highly capable individual who can overcome challenges, adjust to new ways of working, and consistently deliver results in dynamic regulatory environments.
• **Collaboration & Partnership Building**
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships, collaborate effectively, and influence clients, team members, and regulators.
• **Analytical Excellence**
• Demonstrates strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex regulatory issues, interpret data, and make informed compliance decisions.
• **Communication Mastery**
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and confidently at all levels — internally and with clients, auditors, and regulators.

Role-Specific Competencies

• **Regulatory & Compliance Expertise**
• Ability to interpret, apply, and operationalize ADGM/FSRA.VARA regulations, ensuring the firm and its clients remain fully compliant.
• **AML/CTF Specialist Capability**
• Equipped to perform MLRO responsibilities, including investigations, SAR reporting, and oversight of CDD/EDD and monitoring processes.
• **Independence & Self-Motivation**
• A highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently, manage sensitive matters, and problem-solve without constant supervision.
• **Stakeholder Influence & Liaison Skills**
• Demonstrated capability in managing relationships with regulators, clients, and internal teams, acting as a trusted compliance advisor.

Skills and Knowledge

• **Organizational & Time Management**
• Strong ability to organize tasks, prioritize effectively, manage deadlines, and maintain structured compliance workflows.
• **Risk & Regulatory Awareness**
• Up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements, AML/CTF obligations, and risk indicators to support effective monitoring and oversight.
• **High-Pressure Execution**
• Significant ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple compliance deliverables simultaneously.

Education

• Minimum bachelor’s degree from a leading university
• Preferred concentration in law, finance, accounting, or economics

Experience

• Significant, demonstrable experience dealing with regulatory authorities in the UAE and the wider MENA region
• At least 10 years of overall industry experience, including proven experience working with VARA
• 8+ years of direct compliance experience within the financial services industry
• Direct experience creating and implementing regulatory compliance programs within a successful financial services organization
• Additional Requirements: CAMS, CISI, or ICA certifications are highly desired

• Professional Integrity & Accountability