Chief Operating Officer - Dubai

About This Role

Who We Are At OKX, we believe that the future will be reshaped by crypto, and ultimately contribute to every individual's freedom. OKX is a leading crypto exchange, and the developer of OKX Wallet, giving millions access to crypto trading and decentralized crypto applications (dApps). OKX is also a trusted brand by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets. We are safe and reliable, backed by our Proof of Reserves. Across our multiple offices globally, we are united by our core principles: We Before Me , Do the Right Thing , and Get Things Done . These shared values drive our culture, shape our processes, and foster a friendly, rewarding, and diverse environment for every OK-er. OKX is part of OKG, a group that brings the value of Blockchain to users around the world, through our leading products OKX, OKX Wallet, OKLink and more.

Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operational and commercial functions of our UAE Business. This role will oversee the full operational lifecycle—including Sales, Trading, Customer Operations, and Business Support ensuring our business runs efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with regulatory requirements. The COO will act as a key partner to the regional CEO and global leadership, driving growth, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration across the organization.

What You’ll Be Doing Executive Operations & Strategy

• Oversee day-to-day business and commercial operations for the UAE-regulated entity across Sales, Trading, and Operations.
• Implement scalable, efficient operational systems that align with global and regional business objectives.
• Track and report key KPIs across commercial performance, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and risk.
• Partner with the CEO of Middle East and collaborate closely with global leadership to shape and execute strategic initiatives.

Sales, Trading & Operational Oversight

• Provide operational leadership across the sales processes, onboarding, and customer lifecycle management.
• Oversee trading operations, ensuring effective controls, timely issue escalation, and operational resilience.
• Optimize operational support for customer operations and post-trade processes.
• Support commercial strategy through data-driven insights, operational improvements, and performance management.

Product Strategy & Localization

• Partner with global Product, Engineering, and Ops teams to tailor products for the UAE market.
• Ensure operational readiness and internal alignment for new product launches.
• Lead cross-functional evaluations to confirm compliance with UAE regulatory standards.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Embed UAE regulatory standards into operational workflows
• Act as the first line of defense, ensuring operational activities meet regulatory requirements.
• Maintain risk registers, lead incident reviews, and ensure internal governance discipline.
• Work closely with Legal, Compliance, and Risk teams to support regulatory reporting, audits, and supervisory engagement.

Performance & Metrics Monitoring

• Build and monitor KPIs across commercial, operational, and risk domains.
• Produce regular performance reports for senior management and regulatory stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product, Engineering, Compliance, Legal, Marketing, Customer Ops, Sales, and Trading teams.
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and high performance.

What We Look For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of operational leadership within regulated financial services, fintech, trading, brokerage, or crypto.
• Strong experience operating in a similar role in a regulated UAE financial/fintech institution (SCA/VARA/FSRA/DFSA preferred).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and develop scalable operational frameworks.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated involvement in Sales and Trading operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic, high-growth environments.

What Will Make You Stand Out

• Experience in a regulated UAE financial institution, or equivalent international markets..
• Strong understanding of blockchain, digital assets, trading infrastructure, and market structure.
• Demonstrated success in scaling operations and driving regulatory compliance transformation.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with passion for innovation and operational excellence.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package
• L&D programs and Education subsidy for employees' growth and development
• Various team building programs and company events
• Wellness and meal allowances
• Comprehensive healthcare schemes for employees and dependants
• More that we love to tell you along the process!

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