Compliance Officer / MLRO

Overview

Dubai,

Regulatory & Compliance Governance

• Establish, implement, and maintain the firm’s compliance and AML/CFT framework in accordance with VARA regulations, UAE Federal laws, and regulatory guidance
• Ensure the firm maintains effective policies, procedures, controls, and governance arrangements proportionate to its risk profile
• Maintain compliance registers, records, and documentation as required by VARA and other authorities

AML / CFT Oversight

• Oversee client onboarding processes, including KYC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for higher-risk customers
• Ensure appropriate customer risk assessments, classification, and ongoing monitoring are applied
• Monitor transactions and business activity to identify suspicious or unusual behaviour
• Review, prepare, and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other required reports via GoAML in a timely and compliant manner

Regulatory Liaison & Reporting

• Act as the primary point of contact with VARA, the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and other relevant authorities
• Manage regulatory filings, notifications, and disclosures
• Lead responses to regulatory enquiries, inspections, and audits

Risk Management & Advisory

• Conduct periodic compliance monitoring, testing, and enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk
• assessments
• Provide independent compliance advice and guidance to the Board, senior management,
• and business teams
• Assess regulatory developments and advise on their impact on the firm’s products,
• services, and operations

Qualifications & Experience

• Prior experience as a Compliance Officer & MLRO within VARA, DFSA or FSRA
• Minimum 5-8 years’ relevant experience in compliance and AML/CFT roles within regulated financial services, fintech, or virtual asset businesses
• Strong knowledge of VARA regulations, UAE Federal AML/CFT laws, and regional regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience engaging with regulators and the licensing process
• Hands-on experience designing and operating AML/KYC frameworks, transaction monitoring, and blockchain analytics tools (e.g. Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs)
• Bachelor’s degree in law, finance, business, or a related discipline