Head of Compliance & MLRO

About This Role

Essential requirements:

To be considered for this role, you must bring direct crypto exchange experience , strong exposure to the UAE regulatory environment , and ideally be VARA approved or have worked closely with VARA in a regulated capacity. This is a critical hire for a business that needs someone credible, hands-on, and able to operate with confidence in a fast-scaling virtual assets environment.

Culturally, we are looking for someone who has worked both internationally and on the ground in the UAE , and who thrives in startup or scale-up environments . This role will suit a 0–1 builder — someone who knows how to put structure, governance, and control into a business that is still evolving, without slowing it down.

Our client is a global crypto exchange continuing to strengthen its presence in Dubai. This is a high-impact leadership role for a senior compliance professional who wants to build, shape, and lead.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Head of Compliance & MLRO to lead compliance, financial crime, and regulatory oversight for the Dubai entity. This is a compliance-first leadership role , suited to someone who can build and embed a strong governance and controls environment from the ground up.

You will work closely with senior leadership, including the Group CRO , to implement both group-wide and UAE-specific compliance frameworks, while acting as the key point of contact with VARA .

This role combines hands-on execution with strategic regulatory leadership , making it ideal for someone who can operate at both the detail level and the senior stakeholder level.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance & Governance

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the UAE compliance framework across AML/CTF, sanctions, and regulatory obligations
• Build and strengthen policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance frameworks
• Ensure alignment between local UAE requirements and broader group governance standards
• Partner with Internal Audit and wider control functions on testing, remediation, and ongoing control effectiveness
• Support broader regional compliance collaboration where needed

AML / Financial Crime

• Oversee the full AML/CTF framework including KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, investigations, and suspicious activity escalation
• Act as MLRO and approve STR/SAR filings as required
• Maintain and enhance customer risk rating and financial crime risk frameworks

Risk Management

• Lead compliance and enterprise risk assessments, identifying and mitigating key regulatory and operational risks
• Advise business, product, and leadership teams on compliance implications of new initiatives and ongoing activities
• Ensure risks are appropriately tracked, managed, and reported to senior management and Board level

Virtual Assets / VARA Oversight

• Oversee Travel Rule compliance and VASP counterparty due diligence
• Monitor on-chain activity and wallet risk through blockchain analytics tools
• Ensure adherence to VARA-specific requirements, including consumer protection, market conduct, reporting, and Responsible Individual obligations
• Act as the primary point of contact for VARA across licensing, inspections, submissions, notifications, and ongoing engagement

Policy, Controls & Culture

• Develop and maintain compliance manuals, policies, and procedures
• Drive a strong compliance culture through training, education, and practical guidance to the business
• Help create a robust yet commercially effective control environment within a scaling business

Candidate Profile

We are keen to speak with professionals who bring:

• Proven experience within a crypto exchange or regulated digital assets business
• Strong understanding of the UAE regulatory landscape , ideally with direct VARA exposure
• Prior experience as a Head of Compliance, Compliance Officer, MLRO , or a strong deputy stepping into a broader leadership role
• Experience operating in a startup, build-phase, or scaling environment
• The ability to work both strategically and hands-on
• Credibility with regulators and confidence engaging with senior internal stakeholders
• International experience alongside a strong understanding of local UAE market dynamics
• AML/CFT certifications such as CAMS or ICA are advantageous