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Chief Compliance Officer
TokWealth
, UAE
Full Time
Executive
Regulatory ComplianceVARAAML/CFTRisk ManagementBlockchainDigital Assets
Free
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Regulatory ComplianceVARAAML/CFT
About the Role
TokWealth is seeking a Chief Compliance Officer to lead regulatory compliance under VARA and UAE financial regulations for a to-be regulated issuer and broker-dealer platform.
Key Skills for This Role
Regulatory ComplianceVARAAML/CFTRisk ManagementBlockchainDigital Assets
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the VARA licensing process, ensuring all submissions and governance frameworks exceed regulatory requirements
- Develop, implement, and oversee the company’s comprehensive Compliance Program, including AML/CFT frameworks, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting
- Establish internal controls to align with UAE AML federal laws, VARA rulebooks and FATF recommendations
- Serve as principal liaison with regulators (VARA and others), independent auditors, and external stakeholders
- Oversee compliance monitoring and testing programs to assess and enhance adherence to policies and legal obligations
- Approve marketing, product launches, and new business relationships for regulatory alignment and reputational risk management
- Report directly to the Board and senior management on compliance risks, audit findings, regulatory developments, and mitigation strategies
- Collaborate with the MLRO and Risk leadership to identify, assess, and address regulatory, operational, and technology risks
- Build and implement an enterprise wide risk management framework covering operational, financial, credit, cyber, and compliance risks
- Lead enterprise risk assessments and ensure all departments identify, quantify, and manage their key risks
Requirements
- Minimum 7 years’ compliance or regulatory experience in financial institutions, broker dealers, or virtual asset service providers
- Direct VARA, ADGM, or DIFC exposure
- Demonstrated success in UAE regulatory regimes, particularly in new licensing, audits, or remediation projects
- Proven experience building compliance functions in fast growing or regulated environments
- In depth knowledge of UAE virtual asset/AML laws, FATF and global compliance frameworks
- Familiarity with blockchain, token issuance, and digital asset markets
- Regulatory certifications preferred (CAMS, ICA, CRCMP, etc.)
- UAE residency or citizenship
Full Job Posting
Job Purpose
- Seeking a Chief Compliance Officer responsible for establishing, managing, and ensuring the company attains and maintains full regulatory compliance under VARA and all applicable UAE financial regulatory bodies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the VARA licensing process, ensuring all submissions, documentation, and governance frameworks exceed regulatory requirements.
- Develop, implement, and oversee the company’s comprehensive Compliance Program, including AML/CFT frameworks, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and periodic compliance reviews.
- Establish internal controls to align with UAE AML federal laws, VARA rulebooks and FATF recommendations, and international digital asset compliance standards.
- Serve as principal liaison with regulators (VARA and others), independent auditors, and external stakeholders for all compliance related topics.
- Oversee compliance monitoring and testing programs to assess and enhance adherence to company policies, procedures, and legal obligations.
- Approve marketing, product launches, and new business relationships for regulatory alignment and reputational risk management.
- Report directly to the Board and senior management on compliance risks, audit findings, regulatory developments, and mitigation strategies.
- Collaborate with the MLRO and Risk leadership to identify, assess, and address regulatory, operational, and technology risks across the enterprise.
- Build and implement an enterprise wide risk management framework covering operational, financial, credit, cyber, and compliance risks.
- Lead enterprise risk assessments and ensure all departments identify, quantify, and manage their key risks in line with the company’s risk appetite.
Preferred Experience
- Minimum 7 years’ compliance or regulatory experience in financial institutions, broker dealers, or virtual asset service providers, with direct VARA, ADGM, or DIFC exposure.
- Demonstrated success in UAE regulatory regimes, particularly in new licensing, audits, or remediation projects.
- Proven experience building compliance functions in fast growing or regulated environments.
Key Skills & Competencies
- In depth knowledge of UAE virtual asset/AML laws, FATF and global compliance frameworks.
- Familiarity with blockchain, token issuance, and digital asset markets.
- Advanced analytical, investigative, and problem solving skills.
- High ethical standards, independence, and discretion with sensitive matters.
- Strong leadership and team building experience in compliance/risk teams.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills (internal and external).
- Regulatory certifications preferred (CAMS, ICA, CRCMP, etc.).
Additional Regulatory Requirements (VARA Ref.)
- At least five years’ relevant compliance experience.
- UAE residency or citizenship; CCO must be a full time employee and report directly to the Board.
- May hold other non client facing roles (such as MLRO or Head of Risk) if there are no conflicts and full fit and proper standards are met.
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