Compliance Manager - VARA Regulated

Overview

Key Responsibilitie

• sDevelop, implement, and maintain the company's compliance framework in accordance with VARA regulations and applicable UAE laws
• .Act as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities, including VARA, and manage all regulatory communications and reporting requirements
• .Monitor ongoing compliance with licensing conditions, regulatory obligations, and internal policies and procedures
• .Lead the AML, CTF, sanctions screening, KYC, CDD, and EDD programs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• .Conduct compliance risk assessments and implement appropriate controls and mitigation measures
• .Review and update compliance policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to align with regulatory developments and industry best practices
• .Oversee transaction monitoring activities and investigate suspicious activities, ensuring timely escalation and reporting where required
• .Provide compliance advisory support to senior management and business units regarding new products, services, and strategic initiatives
• .Prepare and submit regulatory reports, compliance certifications, and other required documentation to relevant authorities
• .Coordinate regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance reviews and ensure timely remediation of findings
• .Design and deliver compliance awareness and training programs across the organization
• .Monitor changes in regulations and assess their impact on the company's operations and compliance obligations
• .Maintain accurate compliance records, registers, and documentation as required by regulators
• .Collaborate with Legal, Risk, Operations, Technology, and Product teams to strengthen the company's control environment
• .Support the development and implementation of enterprise-wide risk and governance initiatives
• .Prepare periodic compliance reports and management information for senior leadership and the Board
• .Foster a strong culture of ethics, compliance, and regulatory awareness throughout the organization
• .Ensure all compliance-related activities are conducted in accordance with VARA requirements and industry standards
• .

& Experie

• nceBachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Risk Management, or a related fie
• ld.Professional certification such as CAMS, ICA Diploma, CRCM, or equivalent is preferr
• ed.Minimum 5–8 years of compliance experience within fintech, virtual assets, cryptocurrency, banking, financial services, or other regulated environmen
• ts.Strong experience working with VARA regulations and UAE AML/CTF regulatory requiremen
• ts.

Experience

• managing regulatory audits, inspections, and compliance monitoring progra
• ms.Comprehensive understanding of financial crime compliance, sanctions screening, and regulatory reporting obligatio
• ns.Previous experience within a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is highly desirab
• le.

& Competen

• ciesStrong knowledge of VARA regulations and UAE financial services regulati
• ons.AML/CTF and Financial Crime Compliance expert
• ise.Regulatory Reporting and Regulatory Relationship Managem
• ent.Compliance Monitoring and Risk Assessm
• ent.Policy and Procedure Developm
• ent.Governance and Internal Contr
• ols.Analytical and Problem-Solving Ski
• lls.Excellent Communication and Stakeholder Managem
• ent.Strong Attention to Detail and Organizational Ski
• lls.Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environm
• ent.

Key Performance Indicators (

• KPIs)Successful maintenance of regulatory compliance with no material brea
• ches.Timely submission of all regulatory reports and fil
• ings.Effectiveness of AML/KYC and transaction monitoring prog
• rams.Completion of compliance monitoring and testing p
• lans.Timely closure of audit and regulatory find
• ings.Employee compliance training completion r
• ates.Regulatory examination and audit outc
• omes.Strengthening of the organization's compliance culture and control environ
• ment.