Laundering Reporting Officer; MLRO), Risk & Compliance Manager

About the role

We are looking for a hands‑on MLRO to lead compliance for our Dubai entity. This role suits someone who enjoys staying close to the work, exercises strong judgment across individual client KYC/CDD and transaction monitoring, and takes ownership of AML/CTF compliance from day one.

You will oversee day‑to‑day AML operations, act as the escalation point for complex cases, and ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency across onboarding and monitoring processes. Reporting to the Board, you will also serve as the designated Responsible Individual for Compliance and AML under VARA regulations, acting as the primary regulator‑facing contact, working closely with Operations, Legal, Finance, and Compliance to keep the entity fully compliant with UAE regulations and international standards.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive compliance program covering AML, CTF, sanctions, Travel Rule, KYC/CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, and market conduct
• Monitor and enhance internal controls to ensure compliance with UAE and international regulations.
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.

• Oversee onboarding and ongoing due diligence for our clients.
• Monitor and investigate suspicious activity, preparing timely STRs/SARs for regulators.
• Maintain customer risk rating frameworks and ensure enhanced due diligence on high‑risk clients.

• Serve as the primary regulator contact for UAE authorities.
• Coordinate regulatory inspections, filings, and responses to inquiries.
• Provide regular reporting and updates to the CEO and Board on compliance risks and regulatory developments.
• Submit timely regulatory returns and incident reports to VARA.
• Maintain Responsible Individual obligations and fitness & propriety standards.

• Implement and oversee Travel Rule compliance for VA transfers, including counter party VASP verification.
• Monitor on‑chain transactions using blockchain analytics tools to detect suspicious patterns.
• Maintain VA‑specific risk frameworks covering token risk and wallet screening.
• Oversee market conduct and consumer protection requirements unique to VARA.
• Manage VARA incident reporting obligations and regulatory notifications.

• Draft, implement, and maintain AML/CFT policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Deliver training and guidance to staff to foster a strong compliance culture.
• Ensure alignment with global standards and internal best practices.

• Work closely with Operations, Legal, Finance, and Technology teams to embed compliance controls into all processes.
• Advise on risk mitigation strategies for products and client services.

• 7–10 years in AML/CTF, compliance, or financial crime roles; 2–3 years in MLRO or senior compliance positions.
• Experience in banking, fintech, crypto/digital assets, wealth management, or payments.
• Knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations (VARA) and global AML best practices.
• AML/CFT certification preferred (e.g., CAMS or ICA).
• Strong experience managing individual client onboarding, KYC/CDD, high‑risk clients, and transaction monitoring.
• Prior experience in crypto or digital asset exchanges is highly desirable.

• A competitive salary
• A challenging and rewarding role in the dynamic crypto industry
• A winning, fun, hard‑working team
• Ongoing learning and support
• Great career development opportunities in a growing company.

This is an in‑office role, so please do not apply if you are looking for a hybrid or remote opportunity.