Senior Digital Assets Expansion Manager

Wise; Dubai; On-site; AED 367,000 - 551,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company based in Dubai seeks a Digital Assets Expansion Manager to launch and lead a new VARA-regulated entity. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the digital assets industry and a strong understanding of regulatory processes. This role emphasizes building commercial partnerships and shaping the strategic vision for global digital asset services.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience within the digital assets industry, navigating application processes for licenses.
• Familiarity with the UAE financial services industry and digital assets.
• Deep understanding of operational and compliance risks in financial services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end process for securing a VARA Broker-Dealer license.
• Build relationships with UAE regulatory authorities.
• Shape product vision and roadmap in collaboration with global teams.

Skills

Navigating regulatory processes

Data analysis

Commercial negotiation

Leadership

Job description

Overview

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money. Min fees. Max ease. Full speed. Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money. As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money. For everyone, everywhere. More about our mission and what we offer.

We are establishing a new entity in the UAE to build and offer digital asset services to an international customer base, subject to regulatory approvals from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

We’re looking for an entrepreneurial leader to take on the role of Digital Assets Expansion Manager - UAE, based in our Dubai office. You will be the senior executive responsible for launching and leading this new VARA-regulated Broker-Dealer entity. You will build and manage the entity, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive the strategic growth of our digital asset offering for a global customer base.

You’ll work closely with the global Grow Squad, an autonomous team within Wise consisting of Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Product Compliance, and Operations. You’ll provide the team with local regulatory and market expertise, shaping the product vision and helping to change the future of finance. This isn’t just a job, it’s a revolution!

Your Mission

1 - Launch and Lead a new VARA-Regulated Digital Assets Company

• Lead and manage the end-to-end process of securing a VARA Broker-Dealer license.
• Act as the primary senior executive and accountable mind and management for the UAE entity.
• Build a strong, constructive relationship with VARA and other UAE regulatory authorities to ensure a smooth licensing process and ongoing compliance.
• Ensure the operating model is efficient, scalable, and fully compliant with VARA regulations and aligned with our product and customer needs.
• Source and hire any required local personnel, such as a dedicated Compliance Officer or MLRO, to meet regulatory requirements.
• Liaise closely with global teams across Wise—including Product, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Compliance—to ensure the UAE entity has the necessary resources and processes in place to launch and sustain successful operations.

2 - Build Strong Commercial and Operational Partnerships

• Identify and establish relationships with key local partners, including banks and service providers, to optimize the product experience for customers in terms of fiat connectivity and operational resilience.
• Onboard new partners and negotiate contracts, taking into account commercial priorities and regulatory risks.
• Manage existing commercial relationships to ensure they are delivering the best outcomes for our customers.

3 - Drive the Strategic Vision for Global Digital Asset Services

• Shape the product vision and roadmap alongside the Global Product team, focusing on customer needs, regulatory blockers, and strategic opportunities.
• Explore and develop strategies for expanding the services offered by the UAE entity to our global customer base following a successful launch.
• Work closely with the Product Manager and the wider team to prioritize opportunities, taking into consideration the product roadmap, resource allocation, and build requirements.
• Identify and size new product ideas to test, build, and launch from our UAE hub.

Qualifications

• You have led the end-to-end process for launching regulated financial services products in new markets, including navigating the application process for new licenses.
• You are familiar with the UAE financial services industry and have a strong understanding of digital assets, stablecoins, and how they function, as well as their associated risks.
• You have negotiated commercial relationships with a clear product vision in mind and can design ideal operational and commercial processes with partners.
• You’re hands-on and a strong individual contributor. You can operate at many levels of detail, flipping between executing as an individual and building support from cross-functional stakeholders.
• Extensive years of hands-on experience within the digital assets industry (e.g., exchange, stablecoin issuer, or regulated fintech). Must have a deep understanding of operational and compliance risks, including on-chain analytics and wallet management.
• Demonstrable expertise in the UAE or equivalent financial regulatory landscape, with hands-on experience with VARA's rulebooks or those of another Digital Assets regulator. Familiarity with CBUAE requirements is also a plus.
• Must be a resident of the United Arab Emirates.

Additional Information

For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences. Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.

If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs. Keep up to date with life at Wise by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.