The Role

The global fintech company is hiring a Head of Compliance for its Abu Dhabi office. This is a full-time, director-level position within the digital assets and financial services sector. The role carries responsibility for the organisation\'s entire compliance function, including regulatory relationships, financial crime prevention, and internal controls.

Compensation is AED 50,000–60,000 per month, depending on experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the compliance function and ensure adherence to applicable UAE regulations and international standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory authorities, including the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
• Oversee AML, CTF, KYC, and sanctions compliance frameworks.
• Provide regulatory guidance to senior management on digital asset activities, including cryptocurrency trading, custody, and related financial services.
• Monitor regulatory developments affecting virtual assets, blockchain technology, and digital financial services.
• Lead licensing, authorisation, and ongoing regulatory compliance activities.
• Conduct compliance risk assessments, internal reviews, and regulatory reporting.
• Establish transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and financial crime prevention processes.
• Collaborate with legal, risk, operations, and technology teams to embed compliance across business activities.
• Manage regulatory inspections, audits, and supervisory engagements.
• Build and develop the compliance function as the organisation grows.

Required Background

• Significant experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, or financial crime within financial services, fintech, cryptocurrency, or digital assets.
• Prior senior compliance leadership experience, such as Head of Compliance, Compliance Director, or MLRO.
• Strong knowledge of UAE financial services regulation, particularly the ADGM/FSRA framework.
• Understanding of virtual asset regulations, digital asset exchanges, custody services, and blockchain-based financial products.
• Demonstrated experience building and implementing compliance frameworks within regulated financial institutions.
• Expertise in AML, CTF, sanctions, KYC, and regulatory risk management.
• Direct experience engaging with financial regulators and managing regulatory submissions.
• Professional qualifications such as ICA, ACAMS, or equivalent are advantageous.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Experience

• Regulated digital asset exchanges or cryptocurrency platforms.
• Virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
• Digital asset custody or institutional trading businesses.
• Fintech or blockchain-based financial services firms.
• Investment firms or financial institutions expanding into digital assets.
• Cat3a experience
• Prior operation within ADGM or another established digital asset regulatory jurisdiction.

Application Process

Applications are treated with strict confidentiality. Candidates with a strong background in digital assets compliance, UAE financial regulation, and regulatory governance are encouraged to apply.