Chief Compliance Officer (Virtual Asset Activities)

Cicada Capital; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Dubai is seeking a Chief Compliance Officer to ensure adherence to VARA regulatory obligations and manage compliance/AML activities. This position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience and a strong understanding of AML/CTF regulations. The ideal candidate will develop compliance frameworks and oversee regulatory reporting while serving as the main contact with regulators. Competitive salary and full-time employment offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in compliance or AML roles within financial services.
• Strong knowledge of VARA regulations and UAE Federal AML/CTF requirements.
• Hands-on experience with AML systems and regulatory reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee compliance framework according to VARA regulations.
• Prepare regulatory filings, notifications, and reports to VARA.
• Conduct internal compliance monitoring and periodic reviews.

Skills

Compliance monitoring

Regulatory reporting

AML/CTF knowledge

Risk assessment

Client Due Diligence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field

Tools

AML systems

Transaction monitoring tools

Job description

Chief Compliance Officer (Virtual Asset Activities)

The Compliance Officer (CO) / Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) at Cicada Group is responsible for ensuring the Group’s adherence to all VARA regulatory obligations, with a strong focus on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF), and the broader compliance framework under VARA’s Virtual Asset regime.

This dual-role officer plays a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining a culture of compliance, managing internal controls, and serving as the primary liaison with VARA on all compliance and AML / CTF matters across Cicada Group’s operations.

Responsibilities

Compliance Duties

• Develop, maintain, and oversee Cicada Group’s compliance framework in line with VARA regulations and Virtual Asset permissions.
• Ensure all internal policies, procedures, and controls remain current, effective, and consistent with regulatory expectations.
• Conduct internal compliance monitoring, gap assessments, and periodic reviews.
• Prepare and submit all regulatory filings, notifications, and reports to VARA within prescribed timelines.
• Act as the Group’s key contact point for VARA during supervisory engagements, audits, and inspections.
• Advise senior management and the Board on regulatory developments, licensing obligations, and conduct of business rules.
• Deliver compliance training across the Group to ensure awareness and adherence to rules and standards.

MLRO Duties

• Serve as Cicada Group’s registered MLRO and main contact with VARA on AML / CTF matters.
• Maintain and implement the Group’s AML / CTF Policy, Risk Assessment, and Client Due Diligence (CDD) framework.
• Oversee robust KYC, CDD, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) processes for client onboarding and monitoring.
• Supervise transaction monitoring, Travel Rule compliance, and review alerts to identify and report suspicious activities via SARs to the UAE FIU and VARA.
• Maintain accurate records of all AML / CTF-related investigations, decisions, and communications.
• Conduct periodic AML / CTF risk assessments and enhance controls to address emerging risks.
• Provide AML / CTF training and updates to relevant staff, covering typologies and red flag indicators.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field (advanced degrees preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in compliance and / or AML roles within financial services, ideally including digital assets or fintech.
• Strong knowledge of VARA regulations, UAE Federal AML / CTF requirements, and their application to Virtual Asset businesses.
• Demonstrated experience liaising with regulators and managing inspections or audits.
• Hands-on experience with AML systems, transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting tools.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent are strongly preferred.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal