Head of Compliance | MLRO

About the role

In this role, you will lead compliance efforts for Btse's Dubai operations, ensuring adherence to local regulations and managing AML/CTF strategies. You will be the main point of contact for regulatory authorities, overseeing all compliance-related activities.

You will develop compliance policies and provide strategic advice to management while ensuring that the company meets its regulatory obligations. Success in this position will involve maintaining an effective compliance framework and fostering a culture of regulatory awareness within the organization.

The salary for this role ranges from $150,000 to $250,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Skills that matter here

• AML/CTF: This role requires overseeing AML/CTF strategies and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• KYC: You will manage customer due diligence and KYC processes to mitigate financial crime risks.
• Regulatory compliance: The position involves ensuring compliance with UAE regulations and managing interactions with regulatory bodies.
• Risk assessments: You will conduct risk assessments to identify and mitigate compliance risks.
• Transaction monitoring: Monitoring transactions is crucial for detecting suspicious activities.
• Compliance policy development: You will develop and maintain the compliance policy framework for Btse Dubai.

Who this role suits

• You have a strong background in compliance, particularly within financial services or fintech.
• You possess excellent analytical skills and can interpret complex regulatory requirements.
• You are proactive in managing compliance risks and fostering a culture of adherence within your team.
• You are a native Arabic speaker with strong communication skills in English.

From the employer

Regulatory Leadership & Oversight

• Act as BTSE Dubai’s principal contact for VARA, Central Bank of the UAE, FIU, and other relevant authorities.
• Lead and manage all regulatory filings, notifications, inspections, and correspondence.
• Ensure timely implementation of new or updated regulations, circulars, and guidance issued by VARA or other supervisory bodies.
• Represent the firm in regulatory meetings and audits, ensuring all inquiries are addressed promptly and accurately.

AML / CTF & Financial Crime Compliance

• Serve as the designated MLRO for the Dubai entity.
• Oversee customer due diligence (CDD/KYC), transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, investigations, and suspicious transaction reporting in line with Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 and Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019.
• Maintain and update the AML/CTF framework, including policies, procedures, and risk assessments tailored to the virtual asset sector.
• Ensure all employees receive adequate AML/CTF and compliance training, including onboarding and annual refreshers.
• Conduct periodic internal compliance reviews and testing to assess control effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Governance, Policy & Advisory

• Develop and maintain BTSE Dubai’s compliance policy framework, ensuring alignment with BTSE Group standards.
• Provide strategic compliance and regulatory advice to management and product teams on new initiatives, business models, and partnerships.
• Participate in risk committees, ensuring that compliance risks are properly identified, documented, and mitigated.
• Oversee the data protection and regulatory reporting functions in collaboration with legal and risk counterparts.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain detailed records of compliance monitoring activities, breaches, and remedial actions.
• Prepare periodic compliance and AML reports for the Board and the Group Chief Compliance Officer.
• Establish and track Key Compliance Indicators (KCIs) to measure program effectiveness.
• Lead the annual review of the entity’s Risk Assessment and Compliance Monitoring Plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 7–10 years of compliance and AML/CTF experience within financial services, fintech, or virtual asset/crypto industries.
• Deep understanding of UAE regulatory landscape (VARA, CBUAE, DFSA, FSRA) and related AML/CTF obligations.
• Proven experience dealing directly with regulators and leading compliance programs in the UAE.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements.
• Native-level Arabic proficiency, with strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• UAE citizenship is required for this role, along with legal authorization to work locally.

Nice to haves

• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, CCAS, or equivalent.
• Experience with blockchain analytics tools (Chainalysis, TRM Labs, Elliptic, etc.).
• Previous involvement in license applications or regulatory inspections under VARA, ADGM or similar regimes.
• Familiarity with market surveillance tools (e.g., Solidus Labs, NASDAQ SMARTS).