📍 Location: United Arab Emirates
🔗 Apply here: Click to Apply
Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you a proven leader in compliance and risk management with a passion for innovation in the fast-growing world of crypto and digital assets? Do you thrive in high-stakes environments where integrity, regulatory oversight, and risk resilience are critical for success? If so, this opportunity may be the perfect fit for you.
We are looking for a Head of Compliance & Risk to join our senior leadership team in the UAE. This is not just another compliance role it is a career-defining opportunity to influence strategy, shape regulatory frameworks, and ensure operational excellence in a company that is driving the future of digital finance.
As the Head of Compliance & Risk, you will serve as the cornerstone of our regulatory compliance framework and enterprise risk strategy, ensuring that our business aligns with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) guidelines and international standards. This is a high-impact position where your expertise will directly safeguard the organization’s growth, reputation, and regulatory standing.
If you have a proven track record in compliance, AML, CFT, and enterprise risk management, especially in regulated industries like crypto, fintech, or financial services, we want to hear from you.
Job Summary
The Head of Compliance & Risk is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the company’s compliance and enterprise risk management systems. Reporting directly to executive leadership, you will act as the Principal Compliance and Risk Officer, guiding the company through complex regulatory landscapes while ensuring operational resilience.
This position requires a balance of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and strategic leadership. You will work with internal teams, regulators, and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with VARA regulations, global AML frameworks, and best practices in risk governance.
Your mission:
- Safeguard the company against legal, financial, and operational risks.
- Ensure regulatory excellence in a rapidly evolving crypto environment.
- Provide strategic guidance on new products, expansions, and regulatory engagement.
This is more than just a compliance role it’s about protecting the company’s future while enabling innovation.
Key Responsibilities
As the Head of Compliance & Risk, your role covers compliance oversight, enterprise risk management, and strategic leadership. Below is a detailed breakdown of your responsibilities:
1. Compliance Oversight
- Principal Officer Role: Serve as the organization’s Principal Compliance and Risk Officer, accountable for regulatory compliance at the highest level.
- AML & Reporting: Work alongside the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to ensure robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures are in place.
- Framework Development: Design, implement, and maintain a Compliance Management System aligned with VARA standards and international best practices such as FATF recommendations, AMLD5, and FINTRAC guidelines.
- Regulatory Reporting: Ensure all regulatory filings, reports, and disclosures are submitted on time and with complete accuracy to VARA and other relevant bodies.
- Audit & Inspections: Act as the primary liaison for regulatory audits, inspections, and examinations, ensuring seamless communication and preparation.
2. Risk Management
- Enterprise Risk Framework (ERM): Develop and manage a comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management framework, identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across operations, finance, technology, and compliance.
- Business Continuity & Incident Response: Lead the design and execution of Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and Incident Response strategies to ensure resilience in the face of disruptions.
- Crypto-Specific Risks: Evaluate and manage emerging risks associated with crypto assets, such as market volatility, security breaches, and cross-border regulatory conflicts.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including technology, product, and finance, to assess and mitigate risks across business units.
3. Strategic Leadership
- Regulatory Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with VARA, FCA, MAS, FINMA, and other global regulators to ensure proactive compliance.
- Industry Representation: Represent the company in industry associations, advisory boards, and regulatory panels to stay ahead of policy developments.
- Business Growth Support: Advise senior leadership on compliance implications for new product launches, market expansions, and strategic partnerships.
- Culture of Compliance: Foster a company-wide culture of compliance, risk awareness, and ethical decision-making.
Required Skills & Qualifications
To excel as the Head of Compliance & Risk, you should bring both technical knowledge and leadership capabilities:
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields.
- Advanced certifications (preferred): CAMS, CRCM, ICA, or equivalent.
Professional Experience
- 5+ years of proven compliance leadership experience in financial services, fintech, or crypto.
- At least 1 year of direct exposure to virtual assets, blockchain, or fintech compliance environments.
- Prior experience with VARA licensing or regulatory regimes such as FCA (UK), MAS (Singapore), or FINMA (Switzerland).
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of AML, CFT, sanctions compliance, GDPR/data privacy, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Experience designing risk management frameworks and implementing compliance technologies.
- Familiarity with blockchain, DeFi, and emerging crypto regulatory trends.
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, especially with regulators.
- Strong leadership abilities to manage teams and influence cross-departmental initiatives.
- Analytical mindset with problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
- Fluency in English (Arabic proficiency is a strong plus).
Benefits & Perks
Working as the Head of Compliance & Risk in our UAE office offers more than just a competitive salary. You will enjoy:
- Competitive Compensation Package: Attractive salary with potential performance-based bonuses.
- Leadership Role: Direct influence on the company’s strategic direction and regulatory posture.
- Growth Opportunities: Work in a high-growth industry with global career advancement potential.
- Workplace Culture: Join a forward-thinking team that values integrity, innovation, and collaboration.
- Professional Development: Support for certifications, training programs, and industry events.
- Global Exposure: Engage with international regulators, industry leaders, and thought partners.
- Flexibility: Hybrid work options and flexible schedules where applicable.
FAQs – Head of Compliance & Risk (UAE)
1. What is VARA, and why is it important for this role?
VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) is the regulatory body overseeing digital assets in Dubai, UAE. As Head of Compliance & Risk, ensuring alignment with VARA standards is critical for maintaining licensing and regulatory approval.
2. Do I need prior crypto compliance experience to apply?
Yes, at least 1 year of experience in crypto, fintech, or digital asset compliance is required. Candidates with broader financial compliance backgrounds will also be considered if they can demonstrate adaptability.
3. What certifications will strengthen my application?
Certifications like CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), CRCM (Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager), or ICA Compliance/AML Diplomas are highly valued.
4. What does a typical day in this role look like?
Your day may involve reviewing compliance reports, engaging with regulators, leading risk assessments, updating leadership on compliance strategies, and coordinating with product teams on risk issues.
5. Is Arabic proficiency mandatory?
No, but fluent Arabic is a strong advantage for regulatory communication in the UAE. English proficiency is mandatory.
6. Will I need to travel for this role?
Occasional travel may be required for regulatory meetings, industry events, or cross-border compliance engagements.
7. What makes this role different from other compliance jobs?
Unlike traditional compliance roles, this position combines compliance leadership, enterprise risk management, and strategic decision-making in the crypto sector—a unique blend that provides both responsibility and opportunity.
How to Apply
Applying for this position is simple and secure:
- Prepare Your CV: Highlight relevant compliance, risk, and crypto/fintech experience.
- Craft a Cover Letter: Share why you’re passionate about compliance in the crypto industry and how your experience aligns with VARA requirements.
- Click the Official Link: Submit your application directly via our safe and verified portal here: Apply Now.
- Follow Up: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and assessments.
Final Thoughts
This is not just another compliance job. The Head of Compliance & Risk – UAE role is a career-defining opportunity for an ambitious professional ready to step into a strategic leadership position in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
If you are passionate about compliance, risk management, and shaping the future of digital finance, we invite you to apply today and take the next big step in your career.
