Head of Compliance, MENA (Leading Cryptocurrency Exchange Company)

Head of Compliance, MENA (Leading Cryptocurrency Exchange Company)

• Leading Cryptocurrency Exchange Company
• Great Remuneration Package
• Covering Middle East and Africa Region

This Leading Cryptocurrency Exchange Company is looking for seasoned talent to lead their compliance team covering the Middle East and Africa Region. Great working culture and great remuneration package are provided.

Job Scope

As the Head of Compliance, MENA, your key responsibilities will include:

• Promote a strong compliance culture within the Company across the Middle East and Africa.
• Lead a top-tier team of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officers to ensure robust policies align with regional regulations.
• Provide regulatory updates to the Executive Board and escalate significant risks promptly.
• Support the General Manager for the Middle East and Africa and participate in the regional leadership team.
• Act as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Risk Officer under the UAE's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA).
• Monitor and communicate key regulatory developments and enhance technical knowledge of the regulatory environment.
• Support regulatory license applications and serve as a liaison with authorities in the region.
• Maintain relationships with regulators and relevant authorities.
• Develop and implement compliance frameworks, procedures, and policies.
• Oversee the execution of internal compliance policies.
• Supervise investigations into suspected money laundering and ensure timely reporting to authorities.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for accurate regulatory reporting.
• Respond to law enforcement inquiries as necessary.
• Conduct regular internal reviews for compliance with regulations.
• Prepare action plans to address compliance shortfalls and escalate recommendations to senior leadership.
• Partner with Product Engineering, Security, and Data teams to ensure compliant development of new products.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify compliance risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Perform additional duties as needed to ensure regulatory compliance across the region.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field. MBA or other relevant certifications are a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience working within a regulated financial institution (payment service provider / e-money) or a regulatory authority; or a law firm handling compliance matters relating to AML, and applicable payments services laws and regulations.
• Locally recognised qualification/s related to the role.
• 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 across the region.
• Demonstrate an understanding of regulatory requirements vs. best practices in compliance is critical, coupled with the ability to distil and discern important information from regulatory guidance, statutes and regulations, audit findings, and determine how it impacts the business.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and a proven history of working effectively with people at all levels across a decentralised 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 autonomously with minimal supervision.

If you believe you meet the above requirements and have the passion and drive to excel in this role, we invite you to submit your application. We apologize that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please click the Apply button below or send through your most updated CV to [Confidential Information].

For a confidential discussion about this position, please contact Cathleen Chen on +852 3653 5247.