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Head - Digital Assets Compliance

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Abu Dhabi, UAE
fulltime
Director
4 days ago
AssetsComplianceDigital
Free

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Overview

  • Embark on a journey where your unique contributions are celebrated, and your professional growth is embraced.
  • At ADCB, we nurture a diverse, inclusive community where every voice is valued.
  • About the business area, Group Compliance & Governance:
  • Compliance is an independent function at ADCB which takes an active approach to risk management and monitoring, ensuring the Bank complies with applicable laws, regulations, rules and market standards.
  • The Group creates, implements and monitors policies and procedures designed to prevent or detect financial crime and any compliance breaches of the Bank, its employees and clients.
  • It also monitors and measures the impact of conduct risk and compliance on the Bank’s risk appetite and profile.
  • In this role, your key responsibilities include
  • :
  • To lead ADCB’s Digital Asset compliance function, as the principal advisor and designated Compliance Officer/MLRO for SCA-licensed virtual asset activities, ensuring oversight and full adherence to AML/KYC standards, the Travel Rule, and all applicable UAE regulatory frameworks, including the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), while advising on managing risk assessments, monitoring, reporting, and regulatory engagement to safeguard ADCB’s license, reputation, and customers
  • Act as the principal Advisor and guide on the development and implementation of a comprehensive compliance framework for digital asset services and products, ensuring policies, standards, and procedures align with UAE regulatory frameworks, including the UAE regulatory frameworks, including the CBUAE, SCA and VARA and leading international practice
  • Provide expert guidance to ensure the framework integrates robust AML/KYC controls, achieves Travel Rule compliance, and fulfils Compliance Officer/MLRO responsibilities for SCA-licensed activities while managing risk assessments, monitoring, reporting, and regulatory engagement to safeguard ADCB’s license, reputation, and customers
  • Lead proactive engagement with regulators (CBUAE, SCA, VARA etc.) on all matters related to digital assets compliance
  • Provide expert guidance on the designing and implementation of AML/CFT programs and controls in accordance with CBUAE, SCA and VARA to ensure robust AML/KYC and due diligence processes are in place
  • Act as the designated Compliance Officer/MLRO for CBUAE, SCA and VARA digital asset activities, advise on AML/KYC obligations and FATF Travel Rule requirements
  • Provide assurance through timely submissions, transparent communication, and strategic alignment with regulatory expectations
  • Serve as the subject matter expert and advisor on compliance for all digital asset initiatives by guiding business units from concept to launch while reviewing proposals and partnerships to identify regulatory implications and embed controls
  • Present forecasted risks and proposed solutions to senior leadership to support compliance with regulatory requirements and the development of new initiatives
  • Lead compliance training programs for virtual asset staff to ensure awareness of regulatory obligations and internal policies. Promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct across the business
  • Provide expert advisory on the establishment and enforcement of internal compliance policies and controls tailored to digital asset activities, including custody and stablecoin issuance, to ensure full alignment with the CBUAE Payment Token Services Regulation, SCA Rulebook, and VARA Rulebooks
  • Oversee the development and implementation of digital asset policies to ensure they consistently adhere to AML/KYC standards, fulfill Travel Rule requirements, and maintain robust Compliance Officer/MLRO supervision
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to embed controls and conduct regular audits to maintain regulatory alignment and operational integrity
  • Provide guidance on setting up a compliance monitoring program for digital assets, featuring real-time detection and reporting of suspicious activity and breaches
  • Advice on the design and implementation of reporting processes to ensure alignment with AML/KYC and FATF Travel Rule requirements and provide guidance to support the fulfillment of MLRO responsibilities, including the timely filing of STRs/SARs and effective regulatory engagement
  • Lead investigations and drive corrective actions to uphold trust and ensure compliance regulatory requirements mandated by the CBUAE, SCA, and VARA, working in close coordination with Group AML/CFT, Sanctions, and FATCA/CRS Compliance teams to maintain full alignment with applicable regulations and internal policies
  • Advice on the implementation of transparent and compliant client agreements and disclosures by recommending consumer protection standards that address risks, cyber threats, operational failures, and potential asset loss
  • Provide guidance to ensure all disclosures meet regulatory requirements and support clients’ understanding of associated risks
  • Manage self and team in line with ADCB’s people management policies, procedures, processes and practices to ensure adherence and to maximise own and employee contribution to business performance
  • Manage the effective achievement of the team’s objectives through setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing the team and providing formal and informal feedback to maximise overall performance, engagement and motivation
  • The ideal candidate should have the following experience
  • At least 9 years of experience in Compliance, Risk, or Digital Assets with minimum of 5 years exposure to a Senior role in a Financial Institution
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Law or related field
  • MBA preferred; PMP, CFA, or equivalent certifications
  • Regulatory Compliance (Digital Assets and Banking)
  • AML/CFT Programme Design and Implementation
  • Risk Assessment and Control Frameworks
  • SCA Rulebook and Cabinet Resolution No. 111 of 2022
  • VARA Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook
  • UAE Federal AML Law No. 20 of 2018 and Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019
  • FATF Travel Rule and Sanctions Screening
  • Suspicious Activity Reporting and STR Filing
  • Client Asset Protection and Outsourcing Governance
  • Technology Compliance (Encryption, Wallet Segregation, Key Management)
  • Policy Development and Governance
  • Executive Stakeholder and Project Management
  • Cross-functional Collaboration and Team Leadership
  • Vendor Oversight and Regulatory Engagement (CBUAE, SCA, VARA)
  • Analytical and Detail-Oriented Approach
  • Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills

• Arabic Language (Preferred)

  • What we offer:
  • Competitive Salary & Additionally, all employees are eligible to participate in one of our rewarding variable pay plans.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: This includes market-leading medical insurance, group life and personal accident insurance, paid leave and leave airfare, employee preferential rates on loans and finance facilities, staff discounts and offers, and children education assistance (for certain job levels).
  • Flexible and Remote Working Options: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, subject to eligibility and job requirements.
  • Learning and Development Opportunities: We value and facilitate continuous learning and personal development through a variety of exciting learning opportunities, such as structured instructor-led courses, a comprehensive e-learning catalog, on-the-job training, and professional development programs.
  • At ADCB, we are dedicated to creating a respectful, caring and disciplined work environment that aligns with your career ambitions.

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