About this role
We are seeking an experienced MLRO/Deputy MLRO to lead the company’s AML/CTF/PF framework across its UAE operations in Dubai. This senior role will oversee regulatory compliance for payment services and digital-asset activities, maintain effective relationships with UAE regulators, and provide strategic guidance to the Board and senior leadership on financial crime risks. The ideal candidate will bring strong UAE regulatory expertise, proven compliance experience, and preferably a background in the cryptocurrency or broader digital-assets industry.
Responsibilities
- Acts as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)/ Deputy MLRO for the UAE operations.
- Facilitates the development and maintenance of an appropriate compliance culture within the Company in UAE.
- Ensures robust policies and controls are in place and in line with AML/CTF/PF regulatory requirements in UAE.
- Developing and managing the business wide risk assessment, providing regulatory updates to the Board on the state of the AML Programs and material changes to mitigate the risks in UAE and escalates any significant risks as soon as appropriate.
- Monitors, reviews, and communicates to all relevant stakeholders any significant regulatory developments within the business environment in the UAE, actively developing technical knowledge in relation to the regulatory framework governing VASP and SVF licence in the UAE.
- Maintains relationships with regulators such as the Central Bank of UAE, VARA and other relevant authorities in the UAE.
- Oversees the effective implementation of internal financial crime compliance policies and procedures for both payment services and crypto asset related business activities.
- Responsible for AML/CTF/PF training to the company’s employees, board members and relevant stakeholders, particularly those related to VASP and SVF licences.
- Liaises with internal (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Finance, IT, Security, etc.) and external (external counsel, consultants, etc.) stakeholders to ensure accurate reporting to regulatory bodies in the UAE.
- Monitor and report suspicious activities to the FIU and respond to law enforcement requests and inquiries in the UAE as appropriate.
- Performs regular internal reviews to ensure compliance with all AML/CTF/PF regulatory requirements in the UAE.
- Prepares and implements action plans to remedy any identified regulatory compliance shortfalls for the UAE market and escalates recommendations to senior leadership on the required actions.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as needed from time to time to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in the UAE in accordance with the company's global standards.
Requirements
- Minimum of three years of relevant experience working within (i) a regulated financial institution or (ii) a regulatory authority; or (iii) a law firm handling compliance matters relating to AML and applicable payments services and other traditional finance laws and regulations.
- Locally recognized qualification/s related to the role in the UAE.
- Experience within the digital assets industry (cryptocurrency) is strongly preferred and advantageous.
- An understanding of AML regulations and payments services legislation within the banking/financial services industry in the UAE, particularly crypto assets related.
- Demonstrating an understanding of regulatory requirements vs. "best practices" in compliance is critical, coupled with the ability to distill and discern important information from regulatory guidance, statutes and regulations, audit findings, and determine how it impacts the business in Bahrain.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills and a proven history of working effectively with people at all levels across a decentralized international and matrixed environment.
- Motivated and solution-oriented, with the ability to work successfully across multiple cultures and with demonstrated success working closely within a team as well as independently.
- Perform and execute to a high standard