Head of Compliance for Middle East and Africa Region
Our Local Programs and Regulatory Compliance team ensures compliance with local laws and regulations in the countries where our team operates.
The UAE Regional Head of Compliance & MLRO position involves supporting our company in meeting regulatory compliance obligations for all business operations based in the United Arab Emirates. This includes obtaining and maintaining licenses, overseeing regulatory examinations and reviews, submitting regulatory reports, managing program documentation, and acting on findings and recommendations. The role establishes a top-tier regulatory compliance framework to maintain robust policies and controls aligned with regulatory updates.
Key responsibilities
- Cultivating a culture of compliance within the organization and across the Middle East and Africa region.
- Leading a proficient team of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officers to ensure effective policies and controls according to regulatory changes in each jurisdiction where operations take place.
- Providing regular regulatory updates to the Executive Board and escalating significant risks promptly when necessary.
- Supporting the General Manager for the Middle East and Africa and participating in the region's executive leadership team.
- Serving as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Risk Officer under the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) in UAE.
- Keeping abreast of significant regulatory developments and enhancing technical knowledge of the governing regulatory framework.
- Assisting in regulatory license applications and acting as the liaison for regulatory matters in the Middle East and Africa region.
- Establishing and executing Compliance Program frameworks, procedures, and policies.
- Supervising internal compliance policies' effective implementation.
- Overseeing investigations on reported money laundering activities and ensuring proper submissions to authorities as required.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders for accurate regulatory reporting.
- Addressing law enforcement inquiries as needed and conducting regular internal reviews for full compliance.
- Developing and executing action plans to address identified compliance issues and presenting recommendations to senior leadership.
- Ensuring new products and services comply with regulations in partnership with relevant teams.
- Conducting risk assessments to identify compliance risks and suggesting mitigation strategies.
- Performing any other duties essential for regional compliance with global standards.
Requirements
- Minimum eight years of relevant experience in regulated financial institutions, regulatory authorities, or law firms handling AML and payments services compliance matters.
- Local qualifications related to the role are required.
- Experience in the digital assets industry, particularly cryptocurrency, is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with AML regulations and payments services laws in the banking/financial services sector across the region.
- Ability to discern important information from regulatory guidance and communicate effectively across all levels.
- Motivated, solution-oriented, and capable of collaborating effectively across diverse cultures and work environments.
- Empowered to work independently at a high standard with minimal supervision.
Life @ Our Company
- Encouraged to explore new opportunities within a talented and supportive team.
- Proactive and transformative work environment promoting innovative solutions.
- Focus on personal and professional growth through skill development.
- Supportive teamwork culture aiding colleagues to achieve common goals.
- Flexibility in work arrangements with opportunities for internal mobility.
Benefits
- Competitive salary offered.
- Generous annual leave entitlement, including special occasions like birthdays and work anniversaries.
- Internal mobility program for career development opportunities.
- Work perks include a provided company visa card.
About Our Company
Founded in 2016, our company serves millions of customers globally, aiming to bring cryptocurrency into every wallet. Committed to security, privacy, and compliance, we drive cryptocurrency adoption through innovation. Our mission is to create a fairer and more equitable digital environment for the future generation.
Our team at Our Company is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, welcoming candidates from various backgrounds. Personal data collected will solely be used for recruitment purposes. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.