Head of Compliance, MLRO (UAE)

At Ripple, we're building a world where value moves like information does today. It's big, it's bold, and we're already doing it. Through our crypto solutions for financial institutions, businesses, governments and developers, we are improving the global financial system and creating greater economic fairness and opportunity for more people, in more places around the world. And we get to do the best work of our career and grow our skills surrounded by colleagues who have our backs.

If you're ready to see your impact and unlock incredible career growth opportunities, join us, and build real world value.

The work:

Ripple is growing its Global Compliance team and seeks to hire an experienced Head of Compliance (MLRO), Dubai in its Dubai office. The candidate will be passionate about leading and improving Ripple's Middle East AML/CTF and sanctions program. Additionally, the role will focus on operationalising Ripple's Middle East-based cryptoasset and payments activities; including working closely with the Regulatory Compliance team on local license initiatives.

What you'll do:

• Implement and develop the compliance programs in Dubai, ensuring the execution of effective and appropriate controls that reflect the business' inherent risks and regulatory requirements.
• Develop financial crimes policies, procedures, and risk assessments for new products and services, and work closely with Regulatory Compliance personnel to obtain local registrations and authorisations.
• In coordination with the Chief Compliance Officer, build local compliance operations that align with the requirements of the DFSA.
• Implement risk-based Know Your Customer (KYC), transaction monitoring (both on-chain and off-chain), and watchlist screening.
• Partner with colleagues to draft model documents, and perform annual model validation of KYC, transaction monitoring and sanctions screening tools to detect unusual activity.
• Coordinate the compliance services provided by the Ripple Group to the Middle East market. This requires the individual to track Key Performance Indicators, regulatory reporting submissions, and Key Risk Indicators.
• Establish relationships with the local Managing Director as well as relevant internal teams (Product, Business Development, Sales, Engineering) to ensure that any financial crimes compliance queries are responded to in a timely manner and that such teams operate in accordance with local regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Work with Global Compliance leadership to develop strategic plans and ensure the timely completion of critical initiatives and key goals.
• Prepare periodic reports to local Senior Management, the Board of Directors, and Ripple Group committees to create awareness of all relevant compliance matters.

What you'll bring:

• 12+ years of AML/CTF and sanctions experience in a financial services firm regulated by the DFSA, VARA or CBUAE. Previous appointment and regulator approval as Money Laundering Reporting Officer is an added benefit.
• Experience with cross-border payments AML/CTF and sanctions program management.
• Strong operational knowledge in building and running a sound compliance program, with hands-on knowledge and an understanding of regulatory requirements for cryptoasset and money services firms in the UAE.
• Ability to effectively present on AML/CTF and sanctions topics to internal and external parties. This includes senior management, regulatory bodies, auditors, and banking partners.
• Ability to provide practical, strategic and business-oriented advice.
• Proven track record to oversee multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; at ease communicating and presenting to senior management.

WHO WE ARE:

Do Your Best Work

• The opportunity to build in a fast-paced start-up environment with experienced industry leaders.
• A learning environment where you can dive deep into the latest technologies and make an impact. A professional development budget to support other modes of learning.
• Thrive in an environment where no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, origin, or culture they identify with, every employee is a respected, valued, and empowered part of the team.
• In-office collaboration for moments that matter is important to our culture, and we give managers and teams the flexibility to decide which 10+ days a month they come in.
• Weekly all-company meeting - business updates and ask me anything style discussion with our Leadership Team.
• We come together for moments that matter which include team offsites, team bonding activities, happy hours and more!

Take Control of Your Finances

• Competitive salary, bonuses, and equity.
• Competitive benefits that cover physical and mental healthcare, retirement, family forming, and family support.
• Employee giving match.
• Mobile phone stipend.

Take Care of Yourself

• R&R days so you can rest and recharge.
• Generous wellness reimbursement and weekly onsite & virtual programming.
• Generous vacation policy - work with your manager to take time off when you need it.
• Industry-leading parental leave policies. Family planning benefits.
• Catered lunches, fully-stocked kitchens with premium snacks/beverages, and plenty of fun events.

Benefits listed above are for full-time employees.

Ripple is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We do not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by local law or ordinance.

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