Deputy MLRO

Overview

Responsibilities

• DMLRO is responsible for supporting the Compliance and MR Officer and ensuring appropriate compliance with virtual assets regulations in the UAE (e.g., VARA regulatory framework), with scope to expand responsibility remit regionally.
• Support the Compliance & MLR Officer in implementing and maintaining the AML/CFT compliance framework aligned with UAE AML Law and applicable guidance set out by UAE regulators.
• Assist with ongoing compliance with FATF standards and virtual asset-specific regulatory expectations.
• Coordinate with free zone and federal regulators for inspections, audits, and information requests.
• Assist in local oversight of global processes and procedures, including, but not limited to, transaction monitoring (fiat and onchain) and market surveillance.
• Oversee day-to-day transaction monitoring alerts and investigate unusual or potentially suspicious activity.
• Draft Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for review and submission by the MLRO to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (GoAML).
• Support the development and tuning of automated monitoring systems
• Assist in drafting and updating AML/CTF policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Deliver AML/CFT awareness training to staff and provide ongoing guidance on regulatory developments.

Requirements

• High attention to detail and investigative mindset.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to distill complex compliance matters for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ethical, discreet, and able to handle sensitive information with integrity.
• Proficient in compliance tools, case management systems, and blockchain forensics platforms (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic) is a plus.
• A bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in compliance, AML/CFT, or regulatory affairs, with a focus on the financial services or related industries within the MEASA region.
• Experience with regional regulators: VARA, CBUAE, SCA, FSRA, etc.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying, addressing, and preventing compliance risks.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, with a willingness to work long hours when necessary.