Compliance Officer

About This Role

We're looking for a unicorn.

A Compliance Officer who actually understands crypto, not just compliance.

What you'll do

• Act as the named Compliance Officer on the VARA license
• Serve as the primary liaison between the business and VARA
• Review, refine, and own the existing compliance framework, including AML/CFT policies, risk assessments, controls, and governance structures
• Report directly to the board on compliance matters
• Oversee transaction monitoring, CDD/EDD processes, and blockchain analytics
• Manage regulatory correspondence, supervision visits, and ongoing VARA obligations
• Build and lead the compliance function as the business scales

What we're looking for

Non-negotiable

• 5–10+ years in compliance, with hands-on experience in virtual assets (crypto exchange, OTC desk, VASP, or custodian)
• Direct experience with VARA, ADGM FSRA, DFSA, or a comparable tier-one crypto regulator (MAS, FCA, FinCEN)
• Proven ability to pass a regulator fit and proper assessment, ideally as a named individual, not in a support capacity
• Deep understanding of AML/CFT frameworks, the FATF Travel Rule, and blockchain transaction risk
• Experience with on-chain analytics tools: Chainalysis, TRM Labs, or Elliptic
• Ability to build and independently own compliance frameworks without relying on large teams or consultants

Strong advantage

• Previously VARA-approved, or holds an equivalent approval from ADGM or DFSA
• Experience in a startup or license-stage environment
• Background in OTC crypto or payments businesses
• Familiarity with UAE Federal AML legislation (CBUAE / FTRA)

Not the right fit if

• Your compliance experience is exclusively in traditional banking, with no real crypto exposure
• You've only operated as an MLRO with no Compliance Officer accountability
• You've never directly engaged a regulator in a supervision or interview context
• You need a large team around you to execute

What our client offers

• Named role on a VARA Virtual Asset Service Provider license
• Equity/stock options, genuine ownership in what we're building
• Seat at the table: direct board access and involvement in strategic decisions
• Flexible and hybrid working, output matters more than hours
• Visa sponsorship for the right candidate relocating to Dubai
• A young, diverse, globally-minded founding team
• The chance to build something from the ground up, not inherit someone else's structure