Head of Compliance - VARA Regulated

OX Human Resources Consultancies; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

OX Human Resources Consultancies client seeks an experienced Head of Compliance - VARA Regulated to lead and oversee the organization’s regulatory compliance framework in the UAE. You will own VARA, AML/CTF, sanctions, KYC and governance obligations, coordinating with regulators and senior management to maintain a robust program.

The role requires 5–8 years in fintech or financial services with VARA exposure, strong leadership, policy development, risk oversight, and a culture of integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Risk Management or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA Diploma, CRCM or equivalent are highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the company’s compliance framework in accordance with VARA regulations and UAE laws.
• Act as liaison with regulatory authorities, including VARA, and manage regulatory communications, submissions and reporting.
• Monitor licensing conditions, regulatory obligations, and internal policies.
• Lead AML, CTF, sanctions, KYC, CDD and EDD programs.
• Prepare regulatory reports, inspections, audits and compliance reviews.
• Provide regulatory guidance on new products and initiatives; deliver training on compliance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Attention to detail

Independence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Risk Management, or related discipline

CAMS, ICA Diploma, CRCM or equivalent certifications

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Compliance - VARA Regulated to lead and oversee the organization's regulatory compliance framework. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), UAE Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regulations, sanctions obligations, and internal governance standards.

The successful candidate will serve as the primary compliance lead, working closely with regulators, senior management, and cross-functional teams to maintain a robust compliance program while supporting the organization's strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's compliance framework in accordance with VARA regulations and applicable UAE laws.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities, including VARA, and manage all regulatory communications, submissions, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor ongoing compliance with licensing conditions, regulatory obligations, and internal policies.
• Stay informed of regulatory developments and assess their impact on the business, recommending necessary policy and operational changes.
• Ensure all compliance activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Lead the company's AML, CTF, sanctions screening, KYC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) programs.
• Oversee transaction monitoring activities and investigate suspicious transactions, ensuring timely escalation and regulatory reporting where required.
• Conduct periodic compliance risk assessments and implement appropriate controls and mitigation measures.
• Maintain effective financial crime compliance controls across the organization.

Governance & Risk Management

• Review, develop, and update compliance policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk, Operations, Technology, Product, and Finance teams to strengthen the organization's control environment.
• Support enterprise-wide governance, risk management, and regulatory initiatives.
• Maintain compliance registers, records, and documentation required by regulators.

Regulatory Reporting & Audits

• Prepare and submit regulatory reports, compliance certifications, and statutory filings within required deadlines.
• Coordinate regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance reviews, ensuring timely remediation of findings.
• Prepare periodic compliance reports and management information for senior leadership and the Board.

Advisory & Training

• Provide compliance guidance and regulatory advice on new products, services, business initiatives, and strategic projects.
• Design and deliver compliance awareness and regulatory training programs across the organization.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, integrity, and regulatory compliance throughout the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA Diploma, CRCM, or equivalent are highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of compliance experience within fintech, virtual assets, cryptocurrency, banking, financial services, or another regulated industry.
• Demonstrated experience working with VARA regulations and UAE AML/CTF regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience managing regulatory inspections, compliance monitoring programs, and regulatory reporting.
• Previous experience with a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of VARA regulations and the UAE regulatory framework for financial services and virtual assets.
• Expertise in AML/CTF compliance, financial crime prevention, sanctions compliance, and transaction monitoring.
• Regulatory reporting and regulator relationship management.
• Compliance monitoring, testing, and risk assessment.
• Policy and procedure development.
• Corporate governance and internal controls.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.