Head of Risk – VARA-Regulated Digital Assets (Dubai)

ITSEC; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

ITSEC in Dubai is seeking an experienced Risk Officer/Head of Risk to lead enterprise-wide risk management for a VARA-regulated VASP. The role focuses on developing and strengthening ERM, risk appetite, RCSA and KRIs while maintaining independence from business functions.

You will work with Compliance, IT, Finance and Operations to challenge risk exposures and report to the Board. Dubai-based, senior leadership role within a regulated digital asset environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of risk management experience in banking, financial services, payments, FinTech or digital assets.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise risk management, risk appetite, RCSA, KRIs, risk registers and board reporting.
• Experience dealing with regulators, external auditors and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own the VASP's risk management framework and provide independent oversight of overall risk exposure.
• Develop, implement and maintain the Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERM) in line with VARA requirements.
• Establish and review the Risk Appetite Framework and Risk Appetite Statement.
• Maintain the Risk Register with ownership, inherent and residual risk, controls and escalation thresholds.
• Define and monitor Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and risk limits; report to Senior Management and the Board.
• Conduct risk assessments across operational, market, liquidity, credit, custody, technology and outsourcing risks.
• Establish third-party and outsourcing risk controls; ensure independence of the risk function.

Skills

Risk management

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Independent challenge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Risk Management, Economics, Business, Accounting, Law

FRM/PRM/CFA/ICA (advantageous)

Job description

ITSEC in Dubai is seeking an experienced Risk Officer/Head of Risk to lead enterprise-wide risk management for a VARA-regulated VASP. The role focuses on developing and strengthening ERM, risk appetite, RCSA and KRIs while maintaining independence from business functions.

You will work with Compliance, IT, Finance and Operations to challenge risk exposures and report to the Board. Dubai-based, senior leadership role within a regulated digital asset environment.