Manager - Risk

Liminal; Dubai; On-site; AED 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

First Answer Custody FZE, operating under the Chainberg brand, seeks an experienced risk leader to implement and manage enterprise risk across operations, cyber, regulatory and tech domains.

You will drive RMF alignment with VARA, maintain risk registers and RCIs, and partner with Compliance, Legal and Technology to embed a strong risk culture and robust controls.

Qualifications

• Experience in enterprise risk management, internal controls and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of UAE risk regulatory landscape (VARA/ADGM/DFSA) is a plus.
• Certifications like FRM, IRM or CRISC are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement RMF in line with VARA requirements.
• Maintain and update Risk Appetite Statement, Risk Register, and RCSA.
• Design and document risk policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify risks across operations, cyber, regulatory, vendors, and third parties.
• Conduct risk reviews for new products, services and geographies.
• Support scenario analysis, stress testing and BCP.
• Monitor KRIs and control effectiveness; report to senior management.
• Support audits, regulatory inspections, and VARA submissions.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Product, Technology, Legal and Operations to embed risk culture.
• Lead RCSA workshops and remediation tracking.
• Advise business units on emerging risks and mitigations.

Skills

Risk management

Governance

RCSA

Regulatory compliance

VARA knowledge

ISO 31000

COSO ERM

Business continuity

Education

Finance/Risk degree

Job description

You will play a key role in implementing and managing the enterprise risk management framework for First Answer Custody FZE (brand name: Chainberg ). This includes identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks across operational, regulatory, and technology domains—ensuring full compliance with VARA’s Risk Management and Compliance Rulebooks.

Responsibilities

Risk, Governance & Framework

• Support the implementation of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) in line with VARA’s requirements.
• Maintain and periodically update the entity’s Risk Appetite Statement , Risk Register , and Risk Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) .
• Assist in the design and documentation of risk policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify and assess risks across key areas: operational, cyber, regulatory, vendor, financial, and third-party.
• Conduct risk reviews for new products, services, and geographies.
• Support scenario analysis, stress testing, and business continuity planning (BCP).
• Monitor key risk indicators (KRIs), control effectiveness, and early warning signals.
• Prepare and present periodic risk reports to senior management and the Board Risk Committee.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory inspections, and VARA submissions.
• Work closely with Compliance, Product, Technology, Legal, and Operations to embed a strong risk culture.
• Participate in Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) workshops and lead issue remediation tracking.
• Advise business units on emerging risks and risk mitigation strategies.

Regulatory Engagement

• Ensure all risk-related obligations under the VARA Risk Management Rulebook are implemented, tested, and documented.
• Contribute to the development of regulatory filings and reports required by VARA.
• Stay current on UAE and global risk management expectations in the digital asset ecosystem.

Desired Candidate Profile

• 7 - 10 years of experience in enterprise risk management, operational risk, or internal controls in financial services, fintech, or digital asset firms.
• Strong understanding of the UAE regulatory environment; experience with VARA, ADGM or DFSA is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of risk frameworks (e.g., ISO 31000, COSO ERM), governance principles, and control testing.
• Background in digital asset or technology risk is a strong advantage.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Risk, Business, or related field; certifications like FRM, IRM, or CRISC preferred.

About Chainberg

Chainberg is a digital asset custody platform purpose built for institutional clients and qualified investors. It is the custody arm of Liminal, a global leader in digital asset infrastructure. Launching in Dubai under VARA's regulatory framework, Chainberg has compliance embedded at its core. It combines secure custody architecture, institutional grade risk controls, and governance designed to meet the standards of regulated financial markets. Chainberg is engineered to serve institutional clients across the APAC and MENA regions, including digital asset exchanges, hedge funds, asset managers, public institutions, venture capital and investment firms, corporate treasuries, and family offices.