Head of Compliance & MLRO

We are seeking a senior and experienced professional to serve as both the Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for our VARA-licensed entity in the UAE.This is a controlled function under VARA, responsible for leading the firm’s compliance and financial crime frameworks. The role will ensure full adherence to VARA regulations, UAE AML/CFT laws, and international standards, while enabling sustainable business growth.The successful candidate will be the primary liaison with VARA and relevant authorities, and will be accountable for maintaining a robust, end-to-end compliance and financial crime control environment.Key Responsibilities 1. Regulatory & Compliance Oversight (Compliance Officer Function)Act as the designated Compliance Officer under VARA.Ensure ongoing compliance with VARA rulebooks, guidance, and licensing conditions.Develop, implement, and maintain the firm’s compliance policies, procedures, and controls.Oversee all regulatory reporting, submissions, and notifications to VARA.Act as the main point of contact for regulatory inspections, audits, and supervisory engagement. 2. Financial Crime Compliance (MLRO Function)Act as the appointed MLRO under UAE AML/CFT regulations.Establish and oversee the firm’s AML/CFT framework, including: Customer due diligence (CDD/KYC), Transaction monitoring and surveillance, Sanctions and screening controlsReview, escalate, and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with relevant UAE authorities.Maintain oversight of financial crime risks including money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions, and fraud. 3. Risk Management & MonitoringIdentify, assess, and mitigate compliance and financial crime risks.Design and execute a compliance monitoring and testing program.Provide regular reporting to senior management and the Board on compliance and AML matters. 4. Governance & AdvisoryAdvise senior management and business teams on regulatory implications of new products, services, and partnerships.Ensure robust governance structures, including escalation protocols and committee reporting.Support ongoing regulatory licensing, approvals, and inspections. 5. Training & CultureDevelop and deliver compliance and AML training programs.Promote a strong compliance and financial crime awareness culture across the organization.RequirementsExperience & QualificationsMinimum 10+ years of relevant experience in compliance and financial crime within financial services, fintech, or virtual assets.Proven experience serving as Compliance Officer and/or MLRO in a regulated environment.Strong familiarity with VARA, UAE AML/CFT regulations, and FATF standards.Demonstrated experience managing regulatory engagement, audits, and inspections.Regulatory FitMust meet VARA “fit and proper” criteria.Eligible to be formally appointed as both: Compliance Officer, and MLRO under the VARA licensed entity.Skills & CompetenciesStrong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.Ability to operate independently in a controlled function role.Sound judgment, high integrity, and strong risk awareness.Ability to balance regulatory compliance with business objectives.Location RequirementMust be resident in the UAE to meet regulatory requirements and perform controlled function responsibilities.