Compliance Analyst and Deputy MLRO - VARA

About This Role

1. AML/CFT & Financial Crime Compliance

•Assist the MLRO in implementing and maintaining the AML/CFT framework in line with FATF, VARA, and international standards

•Conduct transaction monitoring reviews (crypto & FX trades) to detect suspicious activity

•Investigate alerts related to:

oMoney laundering

oTerrorist financing

oMarket abuse (insider trading, manipulation)

•Prepare and escalate Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs/SARs) to the MLRO

•Support filing of regulatory reports to relevant authorities

2. KYC / CDD / EDD Oversight

•Review and approve customer onboarding (KYC/CDD/EDD)

•Perform risk-based assessments for retail and institutional clients

•Ensure screening against:

oSanctions lists (OFAC, UN, EU, HMT)

oPEP (Politically Exposed Persons)

oAdverse media

•Handle high-risk client reviews and periodic KYC refreshes

3. Transaction Monitoring & Investigations

•Analyze trading patterns across:

oCrypto exchange activity

oForex trading accounts

•Identify red flags such as:

oLayering and structuring

oWash trading / spoofing

oUnusual volume spikes or arbitrage abuse

•Document findings and maintain audit-ready investigation reports

4. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

•Support compliance with:

oVARA Rulebooks (if UAE-based)

oFSCA / offshore FX regulations

•Assist in:

oRegulatory audits and inspections

oInternal compliance reviews

oSubmission of regulatory returns

•Maintain compliance registers (breaches, incidents, STR logs)

5. Policies, Controls & Governance

•Assist in drafting and updating:

oAML/CFT Policy

oSanctions Policy

oMarket Conduct & Abuse Policy

•Ensure implementation of internal controls and procedures

•Monitor adherence to policies across departments|

6. Sanctions & Screening

•Conduct ongoing screening of:

oCustomers

oWallet addresses (blockchain analytics tools like Chainalysis)

•Investigate potential sanctions exposure

•Escalate high-risk matches to MLRO immediately

7. Training & Awareness

•Deliver AML/CFT and compliance training to staff

•Support awareness on:

oRed flags in crypto & forex

oRegulatory obligations

•Assist in maintaining training records

8. Deputy MLRO Responsibilities

•Act as MLRO in their absence

•Handle urgent escalations and regulatory communications

•Ensure continuity of compliance function

•Provide advisory to business units on compliance risks