Dubai Head of Compliance & MLRO (Fintech/Crypto)

Btse; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

BTSE Group seeks a Head of Compliance / MLRO to establish and lead the compliance function for its Dubai operations. This senior role oversees VARA, UAE federal AML/CTF laws, and group governance, ensuring high integrity and regulatory compliance across activities.

The position serves as the main liaison with regulators, leads AML/CTF strategy, and collaborates with the Group Chief Compliance Officer and senior management to support BTSE’s MENA expansion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 7–10 years of compliance and AML/CTF experience within financial services, fintech, or crypto.
• Deep understanding of UAE regulatory landscape (VARA, CBUAE, DFSA, FSRA).
• Proven experience dealing with regulators and leading compliance programs in UAE.
• Native-level Arabic proficiency with strong English communication.
• UAE citizenship and local work authorization required.
• CAMS, ICA, CCAS or equivalent certifications.
• Experience with blockchain analytics tools (Chainalysis, TRM Labs, Elliptic).
• Involvement in license applications or regulatory inspections (VARA/ADGM).
• Familiarity with market surveillance tools (NASDAQ SMARTS, Solidus Labs).

Responsibilities

• Act as BTSE Dubai’s principal contact for VARA, Central Bank of the UAE, FIU and other authorities.
• Lead regulatory filings, notifications, inspections, and correspondence.
• Ensure timely implementation of new or updated regulations and guidance.
• Represent the firm in regulatory meetings and audits with prompt, accurate responses.
• Oversee CDD/KYC, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, investigations, and STRs.
• Maintain AML/CTF framework with policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Ensure AML/CTF training for all employees, onboarding and refreshers.
• Develop and maintain BTSE Dubai’s compliance policy framework.
• Provide strategic regulatory advice to management and product teams.
• Participate in risk committees and governance, tracking mitigations.
• Oversee data protection and regulatory reporting with legal and risk teams.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Policy advisory

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Arabic language proficiency

English communication

Regulatory liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law/Finance/Business

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CAMS certification

ICA certification

CCAS certification

Chainalysis

TRM Labs

Elliptic

Solidus Labs

NASDAQ SMARTS

Job description

BTSE Group seeks a Head of Compliance / MLRO to establish and lead the compliance function for its Dubai operations. This senior role oversees VARA, UAE federal AML/CTF laws, and group governance, ensuring high integrity and regulatory compliance across activities.

The position serves as the main liaison with regulators, leads AML/CTF strategy, and collaborates with the Group Chief Compliance Officer and senior management to support BTSE’s MENA expansion.