Compliance Officer / MLRO

Compliance Officer / MLRO Dubai-Based｜Virtual Assets / Digital Assets｜Regulatory Compliance Location Dubai, UAE Key Responsibilities Regulatory Compliance & Governance Ensure full compliance with applicable virtual asset regulations, including VARA requirements and other relevant regulatory frameworks. Provide regular updates to the Board and Senior Management on compliance status, regulatory risks, and potential breaches. Monitor regulatory developments and update internal frameworks in line with new rules, guidance, and industry best practices. AML / CFT & Financial Crime Compliance Oversee AML/CFT policies, controls, and monitoring frameworks. Ensure effective customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, risk assessment, and ongoing monitoring processes. Review suspicious activity and ensure timely submission of STRs to relevant authorities where required. Policy, Control & Risk Framework Develop, review, and maintain compliance policies and procedures aligned with business operations and regulatory obligations. Drive compliance implementation across departments and operational units. Conduct periodic enterprise-wide compliance and AML risk assessments for virtual asset business operations. Regulatory Reporting & Liaison Serve as the primary point of contact with regulators for audits, inspections, inquiries, and supervisory reviews. Manage regulatory filings, disclosures, risk assessments, and compliance updates. Maintain accurate, auditable compliance records in line with regulatory retention requirements. Training, Audit & Internal Advisory Design and oversee mandatory compliance training for employees and senior management. Work closely with internal audit teams to assess compliance effectiveness. Lead investigations into potential compliance breaches and drive remediation actions. Business Continuity & Operational Resilience Support the design and maintenance of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plans in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements. Requirements Minimum 5 years’ dedicated compliance experience within financial services, fintech, digital assets, broker-dealer, exchange, or related regulated environments. Solid understanding of AML/CFT, financial crime compliance, and virtual asset regulatory frameworks. Hands-on experience translating regulatory requirements into practical internal policies, procedures, and controls. Prior experience liaising with regulators or supporting regulatory examinations is strongly preferred. Strong analytical, risk assessment, documentation, and problem-solving capabilities. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage regulators, Board members, senior stakeholders, and cross-functional teams. Able to work independently in a fast-moving and highly regulated digital asset environment.