Regional Head, Middle East Crypto Regulation & Growth

Coinbase, Inc.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 657,000 - 803,000; Full time

Job summary

Coinbase seeks a senior regulatory lead to head the Abu Dhabi unit, engaging ADGM/FSRA and other stakeholders to shape the regional crypto framework. You will drive local strategy, oversee governance, and build the operational backbone for tokenization initiatives under ADGM.

This role requires deep regulatory know-how, cross-border collaboration with the Dubai/VARA team, and the ability to align local operations with Coinbase's global standards while fostering responsible AI use.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of senior-level experience in financial services, including securities.
• Deep understanding of ADGM/FSRA regulatory requirements (FSMR, COBS, MIR, AML).
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and monitoring day-to-day activities.
• Ability to influence and drive alignment across senior, peer, and junior stakeholders regionally and globally.
• Strong risk assessment, with excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with crypto/Web3, tokenization, DeFi and digital asset markets.
• Responsible use of AI with human oversight to improve outputs and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Abu Dhabi team, engaging regulators, clients, and industry stakeholders.
• Drive UAE crypto strategy in close collaboration with the Dubai/VARA team.
• Develop capacity to grow Coinbase's tokenization business under ADGM.
• Oversee budgeting and resourcing to optimize impact and alignment with standards.
• Establish governance, controls, and compliance programs aligning with global standards.
• Engage with ADGM and FSRA, building trusted relationships with regulators.
• Promote Coinbase culture and ensure customer interests and strategy align with global model.

Skills

Senior-regulatory experience

ADGM/FSRA regulatory knowledge

Regulatory relationships

Operational oversight

Stakeholder influence

Crypto/Web3 knowledge

AI usage in business

Job description

Coinbase seeks a senior regulatory lead to head the Abu Dhabi unit, engaging ADGM/FSRA and other stakeholders to shape the regional crypto framework. You will drive local strategy, oversee governance, and build the operational backbone for tokenization initiatives under ADGM.

This role requires deep regulatory know-how, cross-border collaboration with the Dubai/VARA team, and the ability to align local operations with Coinbase's global standards while fostering responsible AI use.