Head of Compliance & MLRO

About This Role

We are seeking a senior and experienced professional to serve as both the Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for our VARA-licensed entity in the UAE.

This is a controlled function under VARA, responsible for leading the firm’s compliance and financial crime frameworks. The role will ensure full adherence to VARA regulations, UAE AML/CFT laws, and international standards, while enabling sustainable business growth.

The successful candidate will be the primary liaison with VARA and relevant authorities, and will be accountable for maintaining a robust, end-to-end compliance and financial crime control environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulatory & Compliance Oversight (Compliance Officer Function)

• Act as the designated Compliance Officer under VARA.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with VARA rulebooks, guidance, and licensing conditions .
• Develop, implement, and maintain the firm’s compliance policies, procedures, and controls .

Oversee all regulatory reporting, submissions, and notifications to VARA.

• Act as the main point of contact for regulatory inspections, audits, and supervisory engagement .

2. Financial Crime Compliance (MLRO Function)

• Act as the appointed MLRO under UAE AML/CFT regulations.
• Establish and oversee the firm’s AML/CFT framework , including: Customer due diligence (CDD/KYC), Transaction monitoring and surveillance, Sanctions and screening controls
• Review, escalate, and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with relevant UAE authorities.
• Maintain oversight of financial crime risks including money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions, and fraud .

3. Risk Management & Monitoring

• Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance and financial crime risks .
• Design and execute a compliance monitoring and testing program .
• Provide regular reporting to senior management and the Board on compliance and AML matters.

4. Governance & Advisory

• Advise senior management and business teams on regulatory implications of new products, services, and partnerships .
• Ensure robust governance structures , including escalation protocols and committee reporting.
• Support ongoing regulatory licensing, approvals, and inspections .

5. Training & Culture

• Develop and deliver compliance and AML training programs .
• Promote a strong compliance and financial crime awareness culture across the organization.

Requirements

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience in compliance and financial crime within financial services, fintech, or virtual assets.
• Proven experience serving as Compliance Officer and/or MLRO in a regulated environment.
• Strong familiarity with VARA, UAE AML/CFT regulations, and FATF standards .
• Demonstrated experience managing regulatory engagement, audits, and inspections .

Regulatory Fit

• Must meet VARA “fit and proper” criteria .
• Eligible to be formally appointed as both: Compliance Officer , and MLRO under the VARA licensed entity.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to operate independently in a controlled function role .
• Sound judgment, high integrity, and strong risk awareness.
• Ability to balance regulatory compliance with business objectives .

Location Requirement

• Must be resident in the UAE to meet regulatory requirements and perform controlled function responsibilities.