Head of Compliance | MLRO at BTSE, Dubai

BTSE; Dubai; On-site; AED 280,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

BTSE, a global fintech and blockchain innovator, seeks a Head of Compliance / MLRO for its Dubai operations. You will own the UAE AML/CTF program, interact with VARA, CBUAE, FIU, and regulators, and build the compliance function from the ground up.

This is a senior leadership role demanding strategic vision, regulatory fluency, and the ability to translate complex rules into practical controls across the organization. UAE citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7–10 years of compliance and AML/CTF experience in financial services, fintech, or virtual assets.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory interactions with VARA, CBUAE, FIU and other authorities.
• Oversee AML/CTF program including CDD/KYC, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and SARs.
• Develop and maintain BTSE Dubai’s compliance policy framework and advise product teams.
• Prepare board-level reports and monitor key compliance indicators.

Skills

Arabic proficiency

English communication

Analytical skills

Regulatory liaison

AML/CTF knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law/Finance/Business

Tools

Chainalysis

TRM Labs

Elliptic

Job description

This opportunity was posted more than 30 days ago and no application deadline was provided. You can explore active listings below.

Head of Compliance | MLRO at BTSE, Dubai

B

Organising Institution / Firm

BTSE

Not Specified by Organiser

Dubai, UAE

Not Specified

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; 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 have: 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).

Job

Full Opportunity Brief

BTSE, a global leader in fintech and blockchain technology, is hiring a Head of Compliance | MLRO for its Dubai operations. This is not just another compliance role — it is a rare opportunity to shape the regulatory framework of one of the world's top cryptocurrency exchanges from the ground up. If you have deep expertise in anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime compliance, along with a comprehensive understanding of the UAE's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), this position could be the pinnacle of your career.

Why This Head of Compliance Role at BTSE Is a Career-Defining Move

The cryptocurrency industry is at a crossroads. Regulators worldwide are tightening the screws, and the UAE has emerged as a forward-thinking yet stringent jurisdiction for virtual assets. BTSE, consistently ranked among the top 10 global exchanges, is expanding aggressively in the MENA region. To do so responsibly, the company needs a compliance visionary who can navigate the complex interplay between innovation and regulation.

This role is designed for a senior professional who thrives on responsibility. As the designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for BTSE Dubai, you will not just be checking boxes; you will be building the entire compliance infrastructure. The successful candidate will lead regulatory interactions with VARA, the Central Bank of the UAE, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and other authorities. This is a chance to be at the table when the future of crypto regulation is being written.

"BTSE is seeking an experienced Head of Compliance / Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to establish and lead the compliance function for its Dubai operations."

Inside the BTSE Compliance Mandate

The job description is exhaustive, reflecting the gravity of the position. Let us break down the core pillars:

• Regulatory Leadership: Act as the principal liaison with VARA, CBUAE, FIU, and manage all regulatory filings, inspections, and communications. This requires impeccable judgment and the ability to represent a prominent global exchange before powerful authorities.
• AML/CTF Strategy: As MLRO, you will oversee customer due diligence (CDD/KYC), transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and suspicious activity reporting. You must ensure compliance with Federal Decree‑Law No. (20) of 2018 and Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019, the cornerstones of the UAE's AML framework.
• Governance & Advisory: You will develop and maintain BTSE Dubai's compliance policy framework, provide strategic advice to product teams, and participate in risk committees. This is a role that spans all departments and requires strong stakeholder management skills.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Track key compliance indicators (KCIs), conduct internal reviews, and prepare board‑level reports. Your insights will directly influence the company's strategic direction.

The Regulatory Landscape You Must Master

Dubai has positioned itself as a global hub for virtual assets, but that status comes with intense scrutiny. VARA, established in 2022, is the world's first dedicated virtual asset regulator. Its rulebook is comprehensive and continues to evolve. This role demands more than a passing familiarity with these regulations; it demands mastery.

Moreover, the UAE's Federal AML/CTF laws are stringent and consistently updated to align with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. As the Head of Compliance, you must be able to interpret complex regulatory texts and translate them into actionable policies. This is not a role for someone who merely follows procedures; it is for a legal and compliance strategist who can anticipate regulatory shifts.

What BTSE Demands from Its Candidate

The job posting lists clear requirements, and they are deliberately rigorous:

• A bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field (a master's degree is preferred).
• Seven to ten years of compliance and AML/CTF experience in financial services, fintech, or the virtual asset sector.
• A deep understanding of the UAE regulatory landscape, including VARA, CBUAE, DFSA, and FSRA.
• Proven experience dealing directly with regulators and leading compliance programs in the UAE.
• Native-level Arabic proficiency and excellent English communication skills.
• UAE citizenship and legal authorization to work locally.

These requirements are not arbitrary. The regulatory environment in the UAE is unique, and local knowledge is essential. Bilingual fluency in Arabic and English is critical for effective communication with authorities and internal stakeholders. Additionally, the requirement for UAE citizenship signals that the role involves handling highly sensitive regulatory information, necessitating a candidate with deep local roots and trust.

How to Prepare a Winning Application for This Compliance Leadership Role

If you meet the basic criteria, you need to differentiate yourself from the more than 200 professionals who have already applied. Here is a step‑by‑step strategy:

• Tailor Your CV: Do not submit a generic resume. Highlight your experience with VARA, CBUAE, or other UAE regulators. Quantify your achievements — for example, "Led the successful implementation of a transaction monitoring system that reduced false positives by 40%" or "Managed a portfolio of 5,000+ KYC reviews with zero regulatory breaches."
• Showcase Regulatory Interactions: Provide specific examples of how you have liaised with regulators, managed inspections, or handled enforcement actions. If you have experience with VARA license applications, put that front and center.
• Demonstrate Crypto Knowledge: BTSE is a crypto exchange, so you must be conversant with blockchain analytics tools like Chainalysis, TRM Labs, or Elliptic. If you have used these tools, describe how you have used them to investigate suspicious transactions.
• Highlight Professional Certifications: CAMS, ICA, or CCAS certifications are highly valued. If you hold them, make sure they are visible. If not, consider enrolling before applying.
• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Expect questions about ethical dilemmas, regulatory pressure, and conflict resolution. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Understand BTSE: Research BTSE's products, its market position, and its expansion plans. Be ready to discuss how your compliance vision aligns with the company's growth strategy.

The Career Trajectory for Compliance Leaders in Crypto

Accepting this role is not just about a paycheck; it is about positioning yourself at the forefront of the digital asset revolution. Compliance leaders in the crypto space are increasingly becoming Chief Risk Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, or even regulators themselves. The experience of building a compliance function from scratch for a major exchange is invaluable and will open doors to board‑level positions.

Furthermore, the UAE is a goldmine for ambitious professionals. The recent influx of crypto firms, hedge funds, and fintech companies means that demand for experienced compliance officers far outstrips supply. By taking this role, you will be joining an elite group of professionals who are shaping the industry's future.

"Collaborate closely with the Group Chief Compliance Officer and senior management team to support the company’s expansion in the MENA region."

Final Thoughts

The Head of Compliance | MLRO position at BTSE is a rare blend of regulatory rigor and entrepreneurial energy. It demands a candidate who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves, who understands the nuances of both law and blockchain, and who can earn the trust of regulators and business leaders alike. If you have the qualifications and the drive, this could be the most rewarding challenge of your career.

Do not wait — the application window is open now, and the pool of candidates is growing. Your next career move could be the one that defines the decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this role open to expatriates?
No. The job posting explicitly states that UAE citizenship is required, along with legal authorization to work locally. This is a non-negotiable requirement.

Q2: What does MLRO mean?
MLRO stands for Money Laundering Reporting Officer. This is a statutory role in the UAE (and many other jurisdictions) responsible for overseeing the firm's AML/CTF obligations, receiving internal suspicious activity reports, and submitting them to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Q3: What is VARA?
VARA is the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, the world's first specialised regulator for virtual assets, established in Dubai in 2022. It governs the licensing, regulation, and supervision of virtual asset service providers in Dubai.

Q4: Does BTSE provide sponsorship for UAE citizenship?
No. UAE citizenship is not something an employer can sponsor. It is granted by the government based on specific criteria. Therefore, only current UAE citizens with work authorization should apply.