Head of Compliance | MLRO

BTSE; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech company is looking for a Head of Compliance / MLRO in Dubai to establish and lead the compliance function, ensuring adherence to UAE regulations. You will manage compliance strategy, liaise with regulatory bodies, and oversee AML/CTF processes. Ideal candidates have 7-10 years of relevant experience, deep knowledge of UAE laws and must be fluent in Arabic and English. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for this senior role, along with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of compliance and AML/CTF experience in financial services.
• Deep understanding of UAE regulatory landscape.
• Experience in dealing with regulators in the UAE.
• Native-level Arabic proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Lead compliance function for Dubai operations.
• Oversee AML/CTF compliance and customer due diligence.
• Represent BTSE in regulatory meetings.
• Conduct internal compliance reviews and testing.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

AML/CTF expertise

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills (Arabic/English)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business or related field (Master's preferred)

Tools

Blockchain analytics tools (e.g., Chainalysis, TRM Labs)

Job description

BTSE Group is a global leader in fintech and blockchain technology, anchored by three core business pillars: Exchange, Payments, and Infrastructure Development. Serving over 100 corporate clients worldwide, we provide white-label exchange and payment solutions. Our offerings encompass everything from exchange infrastructure hosting and development to custody, wallets, payments, blockchain integration, trading, and more.

BTSE has pioneered multiple trading technologies that have been widely adopted across the industry, establishing new benchmarks for innovation, performance, and security in digital asset trading. Consistently ranked among the top 10 global exchanges, BTSE is expanding rapidly and invites ambitious, driven professionals to become valuable members of its B2C and B2B businesses.

About the Opportunity

BTSE is seeking an experienced Head of Compliance / Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to establish and lead the compliance function for its Dubai operations. This senior position will oversee the firm’s compliance with VARA, UAE Federal AML/CTF laws, and group-wide governance standards, ensuring BTSE maintains the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and regulatory compliance across all activities. The Head of Compliance /MLRO will serve as the main liaison with regulators, lead AML/CTF and compliance strategy, and collaborate closely with the Group Chief Compliance Officer and senior management team to support the company’s expansion in the MENA region.

Responsibilities

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).