Compliance Audit Director (Abu Dhabi)

About UsEstablished in 2018, Bybit is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges and digital financial platforms, serving over 80 million users across more than 200 countries and regions. Powered by world-class technology and a user-first mindset, Bybit delivers a seamless ecosystem across trading, payments, wealth management, custody, institutional services, and Web3 — connecting users to the future of digital finance.Our core values define how we build. We listen, care and improve to create products and experiences that put users first. Backed by a global team of ambitious builders, problem-solvers, and innovators, we foster a high-performance and fast-moving environment where talent is empowered to drive real impact at the global scale. Supported by 24/7 multilingual customer service and a strong commitment to innovation, we are shaping the future of finance through technology, collaboration, and bold execution.Today, Bybit is recognized as one of the most trusted and transparent platforms in the digital asset industry, continuing to expand its global presence while building the infrastructure for the next generation of financial services.We are seeking a highly experienced Compliance Audit Director to lead internal audit coverage across the full regulatory compliance spectrum for Bybit Group. This role is responsible for developing a risk-based compliance audit strategy encompassing AML/CTF, regulatory licensing obligations, market conduct, product governance, consumer protection, and emerging crypto-specific regulatory requirements. The role drives audit quality, regulatory alignment, and control effectiveness across a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment. The ideal candidate brings broad regulatory compliance expertise across crypto and financial services, strong audit leadership capability, and the credibility to engage with regulators and senior management alike.This position reports directly to the Global Head of Internal Audit.Based in Hong Kong/Abu Dhabi/Kuala LumpurResponsibilitiesAudit Strategy & PlanningDevelop, maintain, and execute the multi-year Compliance Audit Plan across regions and business units, covering the full breadth of regulatory obligations — including AML/CTF, licensing, market conduct, product governance, sanctions, consumer protection, and data privacy.Design a scalable, cost-efficient, and globally consistent audit approach that eliminates duplication across jurisdictions while maintaining jurisdiction-specific regulatory rigour.Establish comprehensive audit methodologies across all compliance domains, including financial crime controls, regulatory licensing requirements, client onboarding standards, product and marketing compliance, complaints handling, and regulatory reporting.Leverage data analytics, thematic audits, and continuous monitoring to enhance coverage efficiency and identify cross-regional compliance trends.Serve as the compliance audit subject matter expert, providing strategic insights and guidance to regional audit teams and senior management on emerging regulatory expectations.Audit ExecutionLead and perform comprehensive compliance audits across all key regulatory domains, including but not limited to: AML/CTF, client onboarding (KYC/EDD), transaction monitoring, regulatory licensing conditions, market conduct, product governance, complaints management, and regulatory reporting obligations.Assess the design and operating effectiveness of controls, governance structures, and processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to mitigate financial crime, conduct, and licensing risks.Evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements across key jurisdictions, including VARA, SCA, EU virtual asset and MiCA frameworks, SFC (Hong Kong), AUSTRAC, and other relevant supervisory authorities.Prepare high-quality audit workpapers and reports that clearly articulate issues, root causes, risk implications, and actionable remediation plans.Monitor remediation progress and validate closure of audit findings to ensure timely resolution.Stakeholder ManagementPartner closely with global and regional audit teams, legal and compliance, risk management, and business units to strengthen the overall compliance control environment.Participate in governance forums and present audit results, thematic observations, and emerging compliance risk trends to senior leadership.Provide proactive insights on regulatory developments, enforcement trends, and evolving industry practices across relevant jurisdictions.Regulatory & Industry ExpertiseMaintain current knowledge of regulatory expectations across all applicable jurisdictions, spanning AML/CTF, sanctions, licensing obligations, market conduct, consumer protection, and virtual asset-specific frameworks.Benchmark compliance controls and governance structures against global regulatory standards and industry best practices, recommending enhancements where appropriate.Support readiness for regulatory inspections, licensing assessments, and independent external reviews through proactive and comprehensive audit coverage.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, Business, or a related field.Minimum 15 years of internal audit, compliance audit, or regulatory experience within a cryptocurrency exchange, financial institution, regulator, Big 4 consultancy, or fintech.Proven experience leading compliance audits across multiple domains, including — but not limited to — AML/CTF, licensing compliance, market conduct, and product governance.Strong understanding of crypto exchange operations, virtual asset regulatory frameworks, and the evolving global regulatory landscape for digital assets.Required SkillsBroad knowledge of global regulatory requirements across major jurisdictions, with particular depth in virtual asset and financial services regulation (AML/CTF, licensing, market conduct, consumer protection).Familiarity with crypto-specific compliance areas including KYC/EDD, transaction monitoring, blockchain analytics, SAR/STR obligations, and market integrity controls.Strong command of audit methodology (IIA standards), risk assessment, internal control frameworks (COSO/ISO 31000), and data-driven audit techniques.Experience navigating multi-jurisdictional regulatory environments and translating complex requirements into practical audit programmes.Preferred SkillsExceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage credibly with regulators, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams.Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability — able to identify systemic issues, determine root causes, and propose practical, risk-proportionate remediation.Collaborative leadership style suited to a fast-paced, matrixed, global organisation.Why Join UsAt Bybit, we are committed to fostering a supportive and enriching work environment. Our benefits include:Study Growth Fund: We support your professional development and continuous learning.Internal Events: Participate in regular team-building activities, workshops, and events designed to promote collaboration and innovation.Global Collaboration: Be part of a diverse, international team, working alongside colleagues from around the world.Career Advancement: Access opportunities for growth and advancement within a rapidly expanding global company.Internal Mobility: Grow with us- Your long-term development is important to us. We offer internal job opportunities to help build your career path.