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Compliance Director - UAE

Zodia Custody
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Full Time
Director
Onsite
2 weeks ago
AML/CFTSanctions ComplianceRegulatory ReportingBlockchain AnalyticsData ProtectionRisk Assessment
Free

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AML/CFTSanctions ComplianceRegulatory Reporting
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Overview

  • This is a full time role for a Compliance Director, performing the COMLRO role in the ADGM for an FSRA authorised digital asset custodian.
  • The individual will be responsible for safeguarding Zodia against financial crime by establishing and maintaining a robust compliance framework, proactively managing regulatory requirements, and mitigating emerging risks.
  • The ideal candidate is an experienced compliance professional with deep knowledge of financial crime and compliance regulations in traditional finance, along with experience or a strong interest in digital assets.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the FSRA‑approved Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for Zodia Custody's ADGM‑regulated entity
  • Act as Data Protection Officer (or equivalent responsible person) in accordance with the ADGM Data Protection Regulations
  • Design, implement and maintain a comprehensive Compliance and Financial Crime framework covering AML/CFT, sanctions, fraud, bribery and corruption, tax evasion, conduct risk, conflicts of interest, data protection and market integrity
  • Development of policies, standards and processes to ensure adherence with all local regulatory requirements
  • Ensure the timely and accurate submission of all mandatory FSRA regulatory returns, notifications and ad‑hoc information requests
  • Oversee and, where required, execute client due diligence, sanctions screening, blockchain investigations and enhanced due diligence for UAE clients
  • Primary liaison with the FSRA and other applicable UAE regulatory authorities
  • Provide compliance oversight of material outsourcing and third‑party arrangements
  • Partner with Risk and Technology teams to ensure compliance input into operational resilience frameworks, incident management, data localisation, retention and cyber‑risk considerations
  • Overseeing the effective operation of compliance and financial crime process operations, including executing 2nd line control sample testing
  • Collaborate with Group Compliance leadership to create strategic plans and guarantee timely achievement of compliance initiatives
  • Lead enterprise and product‑level risk assessments and deliver targeted, role‑based compliance and financial crime training for UAE staff and senior management

Requirements

  • 7+ years in a Financial Crime and Compliance role in a financial services firm, including previous experience holding an approved COMLRO role with a firm, and overseeing a compliance function
  • A subject matter expert in UAE, ADGM and FSRA Financial Crime and Compliance requirements including but not limited to AML, CTF, Sanctions, ABC, conflicts of interest, data privacy and conduct
  • Proactive and delivery‑focused, with a strong ability to engage directly in detailed tasks and execute efficiently
  • Extensive knowledge of FSRA and other UAE applicable regulatory frameworks for digital asset firms and associated financial crime and compliance risks
  • Experience in managing a team and acting in a leadership capacity
  • Based in ADGM or can regularly travel to ADGM for work
  • Exceptional communication skills, fostering trust and transparency across all levels of the organization
  • Strong interest in digital assets and an understanding of digital assets and blockchain technology
  • Resident of the UAE or hold a UAE passport

Desirable

  • Experience working in a digital asset firm and/or have extensive knowledge of digital assets, preferably custody, and are proficient in utilising blockchain analytics tools

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Private health care
  • Generous Annual Leave
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible bank holidays

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