Compliance Manager - VARA Regulated

About The Role

Regulatory Compliance

• Develop, 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, submissions, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor ongoing compliance with licensing conditions, regulatory obligations, and internal policies.
• Stay informed of regulatory developments and assess their impact on the business, recommending necessary policy and operational changes.
• Ensure all compliance activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices.

Aml And Ctf & Financial Crime Compliance

• Lead the company's AML, CTF, sanctions screening, KYC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) programs.
• Oversee transaction monitoring activities and investigate suspicious transactions, ensuring timely escalation and regulatory reporting where required.
• Conduct periodic compliance risk assessments and implement appropriate controls and mitigation measures.
• Maintain effective financial crime compliance controls across the organization.

Governance & Risk Management

• Review, develop, and update compliance policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk, Operations, Technology, Product, and Finance teams to strengthen the organization's control environment.
• Support enterprise-wide governance, risk management, and regulatory initiatives.
• Maintain compliance registers, records, and documentation required by regulators.

Regulatory Reporting & Audits

• Prepare and submit regulatory reports, compliance certifications, and statutory filings within required deadlines.
• Coordinate regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance reviews, ensuring timely remediation of findings.
• Prepare periodic compliance reports and management information for senior leadership and the Board.

Advisory & Training

• Provide compliance guidance and regulatory advice on new products, services, business initiatives, and strategic projects.
• Design and deliver compliance awareness and regulatory training programs across the organization.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, integrity, and regulatory compliance throughout the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA Diploma, CRCM, or equivalent are highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of compliance experience within fintech, virtual assets, cryptocurrency, banking, financial services, or another regulated industry.
• Demonstrated experience working with VARA regulations and UAE AML/CTF regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience managing regulatory inspections, compliance monitoring programs, and regulatory reporting.
• Previous experience with a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of VARA regulations and the UAE regulatory framework for financial services and virtual assets.
• Expertise in AML/CTF compliance, financial crime prevention, sanctions compliance, and transaction monitoring.
• Regulatory reporting and regulator relationship management.
• Compliance monitoring, testing, and risk assessment.
• Policy and procedure development.
• Corporate governance and internal controls.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.