Compliance Senior Manager - Digital Assets
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Wise is looking for an experienced Compliance Senior Manager to build and manage the compliance framework for stablecoin and virtual asset services in Dubai. Requires 8+ years compliance experience with deep knowledge of virtual assets and UAE AML/CFT regulations.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Act as the designated Virtual Asset Compliance Officer (VACO) as required by VARA
- Own the relationship with VARA, serving as the point of contact for all licensing, reporting, examinations, and strategic engagement
- Build and maintain a robust, scalable compliance program tailored to the VARA framework
- Oversee the maintenance of our VARA license, monitor, interpret, and advise the business on all regulatory developments
- Localise and implement Wise’s global compliance policies to ensure they are fit for purpose and compliant with VARA rules
- Develop and deliver targeted training to the Board and senior management on the VARA framework
- Report directly to the Board and senior leadership on the health of the compliance program
- Design and manage the financial crime risk management framework for virtual assets
- Own the Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR/STR) process
- Establish risk based procedures for CDD and EDD
Requirements
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a regulatory or financial crime compliance role, OR 5 years of experience combined with a relevant professional certification
- Demonstrable, direct, hands on experience and in depth knowledge of the virtual assets/cryptocurrency sector
- Profound knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations and the FATF Recommendations for VASPs
- Proven ability to build and manage a compliance program
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work autonomously in a fast paced environment
Full Job Posting
Company Description
- Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money.
Job Description
- Wise is looking for an experienced and forward thinking Compliance Senior Manager to join our team in Dubai. This role will be responsible for building, leading, and managing the compliance framework for our new stablecoin and virtual asset services, licensed by Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Aut
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory Oversight & Licensing: Act as the designated Virtual Asset Compliance Officer (VACO) as required by VARA, holding ultimate responsibility for the integrity and effectiveness of the compliance framework.
- Own the relationship with VARA, serving as the point of contact for all licensing, reporting, examinations, and strategic engagement.
- Build and maintain a robust, scalable compliance program tailored to the VARA framework.
- Oversee the maintenance of our VARA license, monitor, interpret, and advise the business on all regulatory developments from VARA and other relevant UAE authorities.
- Governance & Advisory: Localise and implement Wise’s global compliance policies to ensure they are fit for purpose and compliant with VARA rules.
- Develop and deliver targeted training to the Board and senior management on the VARA framework and the specific risks associated with virtual assets.
- Report directly to the Board and senior leadership on the health of the compliance program.
- Act as the key strategic advisor to the business, providing clear and practical compliance guidance on new product development and market expansion.
- Financial Crime Compliance: Design and manage the financial crime risk management framework, addressing risks specific to virtual assets such as blockchain analytics, the 'Travel Rule', and counter party VASP due diligence.
- Own the Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR/STR) process, managing interactions with the UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
- Establish risk based procedures for customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD), and act as the point of escalation for high risk customer approvals.
- Regularly assess the money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions risks associated with our virtual asset products and services.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a regulatory or financial crime compliance role, OR 5 years of experience combined with a relevant professional certification (e.g., Certified Cryptoasset Financial Crime Compliance (CCFCC), Chainalysis Reactor Certification (CRC)).
- Demonstrable, direct, hands on experience and in depth knowledge of the virtual assets/cryptocurrency sector, including an understanding of key risks and industry best practices.
- Profound knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations and the FATF Recommendations for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). Experience with the VARA framework is a significant advantage.
- Proven ability to build and manage a compliance program, with experience in policy writing, risk assessment, and regulatory engagement.
- A 'growth mindset' – you are passionate about expanding Wise's mission in a compliant, pragmatic, and solution oriented manner.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trust with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work autonomously in a fast paced, time sensitive environment.
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