Compliance Officer & MLRO UAE (F/M/D)

Flowdesk; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Dubai is seeking a Compliance Officer & MLRO. The role involves managing regulatory compliance, implementing AML/CFT programs, and developing compliance training. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and over 8 years of relevant experience. The company offers 100% health coverage and an international work environment.

Benefits

100% health coverage

Team events and offsites

Qualifications

• Professional compliance qualifications (e.g., ICA Diploma in Compliance) are a strong plus.
• At least 8 years of experience in compliance within financial services.
• Proven MLRO responsibilities including AML/CFT program management.

Responsibilities

• Establish compliance framework aligned with VARA.
• Lead AML/CTF programs and report to the Board.
• Develop compliance training for employees.

Skills

Regulatory judgment

Analytical abilities

Problem-solving

Communication in English

Proactive attitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, or Business Administration

Tools

Compliance management software

Job description

Flowdesk's mission is to build a global financial institution for digital assets, one designed from the ground up for market integrity and efficiency.

To achieve this in a rapidly evolving market, we apply a disciplined, first-principles approach to everything we do. This approach is embedded in the Group’s core services, from institutional liquidity provision, trading solutions, OTC execution to our comprehensive treasury management offerings.

We seek individuals who are driven by this systematic approach. Joining Flowdesk means you will be a key contributor in building and scaling a more transparent and efficient financial markets infrastructure.

The Compliance Officer & MLRO will act as the leading regulatory compliance expert for Flowdesk's Dubai operations, ensuring strict adherence to VARA regulations and UAE Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance

• Establish and maintain a compliance framework aligned with VARA requirements.
• Act as primary contact with regulators, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Oversee VASP license compliance and conduct regular risk assessments.
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory reporting to VARA, including transaction reports, incident reports, and periodic returns.

MLRO Duties

• Serve as the designated MLRO under UAE AML/CFT legislation.
• Lead AML/CTF programs, including STR filing with the UAE FIU.
• Implement CDD/EDD processes, transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening.

Governance & Oversight

• Report regularly to the Board on compliance, risks, and regulatory updates.
• Advise on regulatory strategy and escalate any material issues.
• Manage compliance monitoring, testing, and audit programs.

Operations & Risk Management

• Contribute to the review of new products/services from a compliance perspective.
• Manage monitoring, audits, and investigations of potential breaches.
• Maintain compliance registers, incident logs, and breach records.

Culture & Training

• Develop and deliver compliance training for employees.
• Promote a culture of integrity and regulatory awareness.

What you'll need to bring

• Education - Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certifications - Professional compliance qualifications such as the ICA Diploma in Compliance, CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), or equivalent are a strong plus.
• Experience - At least 8 years in compliance within financial services, with proven MLRO responsibilities including AML/CFT program management, regulatory inspections, and Board-level reporting.
• Regulatory knowledge - In-depth understanding of UAE regulatory frameworks, particularly VARA regulations, Virtual Asset Service Provider requirements, and UAE AML/CFT legislation.
• Global standards - Familiarity with FATF Recommendations, international crypto compliance guidance, and practical knowledge of blockchain, digital assets, and cryptocurrency trading operations.
• Skills - Strong regulatory judgment, ability to interpret complex regulations, and excellent written and verbal communication in English (Arabic is an advantage).
• Attributes - Proactive, self-motivated, high ethical standards, and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Work style - Able to operate independently, manage senior stakeholders, and adapt effectively to a fast-paced, evolving regulatory environment.

The successful candidate must

• Pass VARA's Fit and Proper assessment.
• Obtain regulatory approval to act as Compliance Officer and MLRO.
• Maintain a clean regulatory and criminal record.
• Be eligible to work in the UAE.
• Meet VARA's minimum competency requirements for compliance personnel.

Benefits include:

• International environment (English is the main language)
• 100% health coverage
• Team events and offsites

Are you interested in this job but feel you haven't ticked all the boxes? Don't hesitate to apply and tell us in the cover letter section why we should meet!

Here's what you can expect if you apply

1. HR Call with our Tech Talent Acquisition (30’)
2. Technical Meeting on-site with our Chief Risk Officer (45’)
3. Technical Interview online with our Head of Compliance (45’)
4. Technical Interview online with the Chief of Staff to the COO (45’)
5. Wrap up interview with our HR (45’)

On the agenda, discussions rather than trick questions! These moments of exchange will allow you to understand how Flowdesk works and its values. But they are also (and above all) an opportunity for you to present your career path and your expectations for your next job!