Overview
Compliance Officer / MLRO Jobs in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates at TCAE
Title: Compliance Officer / MLRO
Company: TCAE
Location: Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Our Client, a future virtual asset exchange headquartered in Dubai, is currently in the process of obtaining a license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
They are seeking a Compliance Officer & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to establish, own, and independently oversee the compliance and AML/CFT function for its Dubai operations. The candidate is required to
This is an on-site role based in Dubai
The ideal candidate needs to have prior experience as a Compliance Officer & MLRO with VARA, DFSA or FSRA and have strong knowledge of the VARA licensing process.
This role carries primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with VARA regulations, UAE
Federal AML/CFT legislation and internal governance standards. The Compliance Officer /
MLRO will act as the firm’s principal liaison with regulators and authorities, and provide independent
oversight to senior management, and play a key role in supporting the company through
licensing, launch, and ongoing regulated operations.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory & Compliance Governance
- Establish, implement, and maintain the firm’s compliance and AML/CFT framework in accordance with VARA regulations, UAE Federal laws, and regulatory guidance
- Ensure the firm maintains effective policies, procedures, controls, and governance arrangements proportionate to its risk profile
- Maintain compliance registers, records, and documentation as required by VARA and other authorities
AML / CFT Oversight
- Oversee client onboarding processes, including KYC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for higher-risk customers
- Ensure appropriate customer risk assessments, classification, and ongoing monitoring are applied
- Monitor transactions and business activity to identify suspicious or unusual behaviour
- Review, prepare, and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other required reports via GoAML in a timely and compliant manner
Regulatory Liaison & Reporting
- Act as the primary point of contact with VARA, the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and other relevant authorities
- Manage regulatory filings, notifications, and disclosures
- Lead responses to regulatory enquiries, inspections, and audits
Risk Management & Advisory
- Conduct periodic compliance monitoring, testing, and enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk
- assessments
- Provide independent compliance advice and guidance to the Board, senior management,
- and business teams
- Assess regulatory developments and advise on their impact on the firm’s products,
- services, and operations
Qualifications & Experience
- Prior experience as a Compliance Officer & MLRO within VARA, DFSA or FSRA
- Minimum 5-8 years’ relevant experience in compliance and AML/CFT roles within regulated financial services, fintech, or virtual asset businesses
- Strong knowledge of VARA regulations, UAE Federal AML/CFT laws, and regional regulatory frameworks.
- Proven experience engaging with regulators and the licensing process
- Hands-on experience designing and operating AML/KYC frameworks, transaction monitoring, and blockchain analytics tools (e.g. Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs)
- Bachelor’s degree in law, finance, business, or a related discipline
