Senior Compliance & MLRO for Digital Assets

Apex Group Ltd.

United Arab Emirates

On-site

AED 350,000 - 550,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Apex Group Ltd. in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, seeks a senior Compliance Officer & MLRO to lead licensing activities and regulate AML/CFT programs for digital assets and crypto exchange operations.

The role requires in-depth FSRA/DFSA experience and governance oversight across multiple business lines. You will act as primary liaison with regulators, design controls, monitor regulatory developments, and report to the SEO and Board.

Qualifications

University degree in law, compliance, finance, risk management, or a related discipline.
Relevant compliance and regulatory experience, with strong exposure to virtual assets, digital assets, or crypto exchange businesses.
Prior experience as an Approved Person, Compliance Officer, MLRO, or Head of Compliance in a regulated environment.
Strong working knowledge of FSRA and DFSA regulatory experience is highly desirable.
Hands-on experience with AML/KYC frameworks. Ability to operate independently with sound judgment, seniority, integrity, and regulatory credibility.

Responsibilities

Lead licensing, authorization, and variation of permission with the FSRA, DFSA, and VARA for digital asset activities.
Act as regulatory liaison for license applications, regulatory submissions, and post-authorization supervisory engagements.
Prepare and oversee regulatory business plans, compliance frameworks, AML/CTF frameworks, governance documents, and Approved Person submissions required for authorization.
Coordinate responses to regulatory queries, information requests, thematic reviews, and inspections conducted by FSRA, DFSA, or VARA.
Ensure ongoing compliance with license conditions, regulatory commitments, and supervisory action plans.
Serve as the principal point of contact with the FSRA and DFSA for all compliance matters.
Design, implement, and maintain compliance frameworks tailored to virtual assets, digital assets, and crypto exchange operations.
Ensure compliance across products including token listings, spot trading, wallets, custody solutions, staking, and stablecoins.
Monitor regulatory developments impacting digital assets and ensure timely policy updates.
Develop and execute a risk-based Compliance Monitoring Programme and annual compliance plan.
Oversee all regulatory filings, notifications, approvals, and periodic reporting obligations.
Provide regular compliance reporting to the Senior Executive Officer (SEO), Governing Body, and Board committees.
Act as the MLRO and primary point of contact with the UAE FIU and competent authorities.
Establish, implement, and maintain AML/CFT, sanctions, and counter-proliferation financing frameworks aligned with FSRA and DFSA AML Rulebooks.
Oversee crypto-specific AML controls including blockchain analytics and transaction monitoring tools.
Ensure compliance with Travel Rule requirements, ongoing monitoring obligations, and STR/SAR reporting.
Conduct enterprise-wide AML and financial crime risk assessments covering custody risks, smart contract risks, cross-border flows, and fraud typologies.
Deliver AML/CFT training to staff, senior management, and Board members.
Advise the Board and senior management on regulatory risks and compliance matters.
Coordinate regulatory audits, inspections, and independent reviews, managing remediation actions to closure.
Maintain regulatory registers including breaches, complaints, training records, regulatory correspondence, and suspicious transactions.
Embed compliance-by-design principles within technology, product development, and blockchain integrations.