Compliance Officer

Kayana | Ordering & Payment Solutions; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Kayana in Dubai, a fast-growing fintech, seeks a regulatory compliance leader to oversee onboarding, KYB, and risk management across the organization's global operations.

You will advise the CEO and executives, develop governance frameworks, coordinate with regulators and partners, and drive a culture of compliant growth in the dynamic payments ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in regulatory compliance or fintech.
• Strong knowledge of UK/EU financial services regulations.
• Experience with KYB/KYC, onboarding, and due diligence.
• Ability to advise executives and manage cross-border projects.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead merchant onboarding compliance and KYB processes.
• Oversee regulatory compliance for UK/EU operations and data protection.
• Provide strategic compliance guidance to CEO and senior leadership.
• Develop and implement governance frameworks, policies, and SOPs.
• Monitor AML/CTF controls, sanctions screening, and risk-based monitoring.
• Coordinate regulatory investigations and liaise with regulators and legal counsel.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed compliance in daily operations.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

English language

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law/Finance/Related field

Job description

Kayana is one of the fastest-growing technology companies, empowering small and medium-sized businesses with innovative solutions to compete and thrive in the digital economy.

As a disruptive force in the ordering and payments industry, we provide an integrated ecosystem of solutions, including point-of-sale (EPOS) systems, self-service kiosks, online ordering, payment processing, and AI-powered business technologies.

With operations across the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, Kayana fosters a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performance culture where innovation, accountability, and continuous professional development are at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

1. Merchant Onboarding, Due Diligence & Compliance Monitoring

• Lead and oversee compliance reviews of newly onboarded merchants and businesses, ensuring adherence to applicable regulatory requirements and internal compliance standards.
• Conduct comprehensive background checks, business verification, Know Your Business (KYB), and risk assessments to identify potential financial crime, regulatory, and reputational risks.
• Verify that merchants operate legitimate businesses and do not engage in prohibited or restricted activities, products, or services.
• Monitor merchant activities, product listings, and transaction patterns to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable regulations, payment network requirements, and company policies.
• Oversee enhanced due diligence (EDD), sanctions screening, and risk-based monitoring of high-risk merchants and business relationships.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Strategic Advisory

• Provide strategic regulatory and compliance advice to the CEO, Directors, Department Heads, and senior leadership across the organization.
• Lead compliance oversight for UK operations and provide regulatory support to European and other international markets as required.
• Monitor developments in UK and EU financial services regulations, payment services legislation, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and data protection requirements.
• Evaluate the regulatory implications of new products, services, commercial initiatives, and market expansion opportunities.
• Deliver practical, commercially informed, and risk-based recommendations that support business growth while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Work collaboratively within the Group's multinational Legal and Compliance function, covering regulatory compliance, financial crime prevention, data protection, and corporate governance.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve compliance frameworks, internal controls, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Partner with Operations, Finance, HR, Sales, Technology, and other business functions to integrate compliance requirements into daily operations and strategic initiatives.
• Provide guidance on regulatory investigations, disputes, administrative proceedings, and legal compliance matters in coordination with internal or external legal counsel.
• Support corporate governance initiatives and strengthen accountability, regulatory awareness, and compliance culture across the organization.
• Manage regulatory and compliance matters relating to banking, payment processing, merchant acquiring, and financial services operations.
• Oversee compliance requirements associated with local and international payment systems, financial institutions, and card schemes, including Visa, Mastercard, and other relevant payment networks.
• Coordinate payment network registrations, memberships, compliance assessments, and ongoing obligations where applicable.
• Provide regulatory guidance on payment products, financial transactions, commercial partnerships, and emerging financial technologies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable payment industry standards, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.

5. Risk Management, Compliance Audits & Process Improvement

• Identify, assess, and monitor regulatory, operational, financial crime, and reputational risks across business activities.
• Conduct compliance assessments, gap analyses, and internal control reviews to identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
• Utilize data analysis and risk assessment methodologies to develop actionable recommendations and strengthen compliance effectiveness.
• Coordinate internal and external compliance audits, regulatory reviews, and remediation initiatives.
• Establish compliance reporting mechanisms, risk registers, management dashboards, and key compliance performance indicators.

6. Stakeholder Management & Compliance Projects

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with regulators, banking partners, payment networks, external legal advisers, auditors, consultants, and other relevant third parties.
• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of compliance projects, governance systems, regulatory initiatives, and cross-border collaborations.
• Collaborate with local and global C-level executives and departmental leadership to ensure alignment between regulatory obligations and business objectives.
• Manage multiple compliance priorities and projects while ensuring timely delivery, operational efficiency, and adherence to regulatory standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in regulatory compliance, financial services, fintech, payments, banking, or related industries, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Strong working knowledge of UK and EU financial services regulations, particularly those applicable to payment services, merchant acquiring, AML/CTF, and financial crime prevention.
• Proven experience managing merchant onboarding compliance, KYB/KYC, enhanced due diligence, transaction monitoring, and regulatory risk assessments.
• Experience developing and implementing compliance frameworks, governance policies, internal controls, and risk management procedures.
• Strong commercial and regulatory judgment, with the ability to provide practical, risk-based recommendations that balance compliance obligations with business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to engage, influence, and advise senior executives, directors, and cross-functional stakeholders across international operations.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to operate effectively under changing business requirements and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified lawyer or legal professional with experience in financial services, regulatory compliance, or corporate governance.
• Professional compliance certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), ICA (International Compliance Association), or equivalent qualifications.
• Previous employment or professional engagement with UK or EU financial regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or other relevant supervisory authorities.
• Experience conducting regulatory compliance audits, financial services advisory engagements, or regulatory investigations.
• Familiarity with payment network compliance requirements, including Visa, Mastercard, and other international card schemes.
• Knowledge of cryptocurrency, digital assets, emerging payment technologies, and associated regulatory requirements.
• Practical exposure to corporate law, employment law, commercial contracts, and cross-border legal compliance.
• Experience implementing compliance automation, regulatory technology (RegTech), and data-driven risk monitoring solutions.