Senior Specialist - FinTech (Digital/Virtual Assets Regulation)

CFA Institute; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CFA Institute is seeking a Senior Specialist for its Fintech Department in Abu Dhabi. This role involves supervisory oversight of virtual asset broker-dealers, addressing complex supervisory challenges.

The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of relevant experience, strong compliance and analytical skills, and a Bachelor's degree in Finance or related fields. The position is critical for ensuring regulated activities align with the FSRA's framework.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in compliance, risk assessment, or regulatory review for financial intermediaries.
• Qualifications/competencies in blockchain technologies or digital assets.
• Good written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise intermediary firms conducting activities related to Virtual Assets and Fiat-Referenced Tokens.
• Conduct desk-based and on-site inspections of supervised intermediaries.
• Develop and follow-up of risk mitigation plans and regulatory reporting.

Skills

Compliance

Risk assessment

Regulatory review

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Computer Science, Business or related field

Job description

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is responsible for the regulation of Financial Services activities in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – an award‑winning international financial centre strategically located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The Fintech Department, within the Authorisation & Fintech Division of the FSRA, is responsible for the regulatory oversight of intermediary firms conducting regulated activities in relation to Virtual Assets (VAs) and Fiat‑Referenced Tokens (FRTs). This includes entities engaged in issuance of FRTs, safekeeping of VAs/FRTs, VA‑related trading and investments, and other non‑exchange services.

This Senior Specialist role sits within the Fintech Supervision (Intermediary) team and will be directly responsible for the day‑to‑day supervisory oversight of VA broker‑dealer entities. These entities typically carry out regulated activities such as Dealing in Investments (as Principal or Agent) and Providing Custody under a Financial Services Permission (FSP) granted by the FSRA. The role involves complex supervisory challenges posed by virtual asset intermediaries, including systemic risk considerations, cross‑border regulatory coordination, and technology‑driven business models.

Operational responsibilities

• Participates in desk‑based and on‑site inspections, reviewing policies, operations, and business models of supervised intermediaries to ensure alignment with the FSRA's regulatory framework.
• Assists with the development and follow‑up of risk mitigation plans, thematic reviews, and regulatory reporting associated with intermediary firms.
• Liaises with regulated firms to address issues identified during supervision and facilitates improvement in governance and risk management practices.
• Assists in the development of regulatory frameworks to address risks faced by regulated entities' adoption and use of virtual assets, including new products offered by regulated entities.
• Contributes to the administration of regulations, rules and risk management for the ongoing supervision of intermediary firms.
• Contributes to monthly, quarterly and annual reporting by Fintech.

Strategic responsibilities

• Supports the Senior Manager and Manager in supervising intermediary firms carrying out regulated activities in relation to Virtual Assets and Fiat‑Referenced Tokens, focusing on detailed reviews, regulatory returns, and risk assessments relevant to firm‑level risks such as prudential, operational, conduct, and financial crime.
• Continuously improves intermediary supervision practices to ensure that ADGM takes a leading role in virtual asset and stablecoin related market developments.

Education

• Minimum Bachelor's degree.
• Professionally qualified in one of the following disciplines: Finance, computer science/engineering, business, or related field.

Work Experience

• Minimum 6 years of experience in compliance, risk assessment, regulatory review, or external/internal audit for financial intermediaries.
• Qualifications/competency relating to blockchain technologies, digital assets or related disciplines.
• Good written and oral communication skills; able to clearly report findings and recommendations.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team‑based environments and to influence both internal and external stakeholders.
• High standard of personal ethics, integrity, and responsibility.

Desirable

• Advanced degree or professional certifications in compliance or risk management (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, CFA).
• Familiarity with supervisory technology (SupTech) and regulatory technology (RegTech) systems.
• Experience working on or supporting regulatory inspections, thematic reviews, or remediation programs at regulator or within regulated firms.
• Project management experience, preferably within a financial supervisory context.
• Exposure to ADGM or UAE regulatory systems and standards.
• Proficiency in Arabic language and understanding of multicultural environments.
• Familiarity with ADGM‑specific rules and business culture.
• Exposure to international regulatory engagement and policy development.