Risk Officer

Explore more jobs; Bahrain; On-site; BHD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Explore more jobs in Bahrain seeks a Risk Officer to develop and implement a comprehensive risk management framework for a crypto exchange.

You will assess market, credit, operational, cybersecurity, AML/CFT risks and ensure regulatory alignment with Bahrain's CBB and international standards.

The role requires deep crypto knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams while promoting a proactive risk culture.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of risk management experience in financial services.
• Deep understanding of cryptocurrency markets, blockchain, and regulatory/AML frameworks.
• CBB approval or eligibility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework addressing market, credit, operational, cybersecurity, AML/CFT, and regulatory risks.
• Identify and assess potential risks across trading, custody, compliance, technology, and operations using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, policies, and controls relating to KYC/AML, transaction monitoring, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
• Track KRIs against risk appetite and provide regular risk profile reports to senior management and the board.
• Stay abreast of evolving Bahrain (CBB) and international cryptocurrency regulations, ensuring full framework alignment.
• Partner with IT security to mitigate cyber threats and collaborate with the compliance team on AML/CFT programs.
• Design incident response plans, manage risk events, and conduct post-incident reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Promote a strong internal risk culture by delivering training and awareness programs to employees across all departments.

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Cross-functional communication

Independent work ethic

High ethical standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Master's degree or FRM/APRM/PRM

Tools

Risk management software

Job description

The Risk Officer is a critical role within our cryptocurrency exchange in Bahrain. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the exchange's comprehensive risk management framework. This role requires a deep understanding of cryptocurrency markets, regulatory requirements, and risk management best practices to ensure our operations remain secure, compliant, and resilient.

Core Responsibilities

• Framework Development: Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework addressing market, credit, operational, cybersecurity, AML/CFT, and regulatory risks.
• Risk Assessment: Proactively identify and assess potential risks across trading, custody, compliance, technology, and operations using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Mitigation & Controls: Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, policies, and controls relating to KYC/AML, transaction monitoring, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Track Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) against risk appetite and provide regular risk profile reports to senior management and the board.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay abreast of evolving local (Bahrain/CBB) and international cryptocurrency regulations, ensuring full framework alignment.
• Cybersecurity & AML Collaboration: Partner closely with IT security to mitigate cyber threats (hacking, phishing) and collaborate with the compliance team on robust AML/CFT programs.
• Incident Management: Design incident response plans, manage risk events, and conduct post-incident reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Culture & Training: Promote a strong internal risk culture by delivering training and awareness programs to employees across all departments.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Education: Bachelor s degree in Finance, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master s degree or professional certifications (FRM, APRM, PRM) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 7 years in risk management, preferably within financial services. Experience in cryptocurrency or fintech sectors is highly desirable. CBB Approved is desired for the role.
• Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of cryptocurrency markets, blockchain technology, associated risks, and relevant regulatory/AML frameworks.
• Framework Expertise: Proven experience developing and implementing corporate risk methodologies and controls.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, excellent cross-functional communication, independent work ethic, and high ethical standards.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience with specialized risk management software and tools.
• Proficiency in data analytics and data visualization techniques.
• Familiarity with global cybersecurity best practices.
• Arabic language proficiency is a strong asset.