393 Compliance Manager jobs in the United Arab Emirates

Job Information

Job Opening ID

ZR_2118_JOB

Industry

Legal & Compliance

Date Opened

10/09/2025

Job Type

Full time

City

Dubai

Country

United Arab Emirates

Job Description

As the Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager at Deriv's crypto exchange and virtual asset business, you will play a critical role in ensuring adherence to global regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. You will design, implement, and oversee a robust compliance framework tailored to the unique challenges of crypto markets, safeguarding the company's integrity and reputation while enabling sustainable growth.

AI is being embedded into our company DNA, across every department. For further information, please read our guide: 'AI at Deriv: Your future fuelled by innovation'.

Your challenges:

• Lead crypto compliance strategy: Define and implement compliance strategies and frameworks specific to crypto exchange operations, digital wallets, token listings, stablecoins, staking, and custody services.
• Stay ahead of regulatory change: Monitor global crypto and blockchain regulatory developments (e.g., MiCA, FATF Travel Rule, SEC/CFTC, FCA, MAS, VARA), ensuring our internal policies remain up to date and aligned with evolving standards.
• Manage AML/CFT and sanctions compliance: Oversee crypto-specific AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring programs, including blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, suspicious activity reporting, and liaison with financial intelligence units (FIUs).
• Oversee licensing and registrations: Lead licensing efforts across multiple jurisdictions for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), managing ongoing reporting obligations and relationships with regulators.
• Risk management in digital assets: Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance and operational risks unique to crypto markets, including custody risks, smart contract risks, cross-border transaction risks, and fraud typologies.
• Regulatory engagement: Act as the primary contact with regulators, supervisors, and industry associations in the crypto space, ensuring proactive communication and fostering strong relationships.
• Compliance monitoring & audits: Develop and execute annual compliance plans specific to digital asset operations, including risk assessments, audits, and remedial actions.
• Culture of compliance: Partner with product, operations, and technology teams to embed compliance-by-design principles in exchange features, token listings, and blockchain integrations.

Requirements:

• A university degree in finance, law, compliance, risk management, or a related field
• 12+ years of compliance experience, with at least 5 years in a regulated crypto exchange, virtual asset business, or blockchain-based financial services
• Proven expertise in crypto regulatory frameworks, such as MiCA, FATF, FinCEN, SEC/CFTC, FCA, MAS, VARA, or equivalent regimes
• Demonstrated success in managing VASP licensing, AML/KYC programs, blockchain analytics, and crypto transaction monitoring tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs)
• Strong experience liaising with crypto regulators, FIUs, and financial services authorities
• Ability to anticipate regulatory trends in digital assets and translate them into actionable compliance strategies
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders from regulators to developers

Company culture:

• Join a diverse, inclusive workplace that values innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, professional development opportunities
• Be part of a company recognised for excellence and committed to career growth opportunities.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We take pride in our Great Place to Work and IIP Platinum certifications, which reflect our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment across 15+ offices, globally.

Our culture is unique, and we live by our values and leadership principles, find out more about life at Deriv here.

As the Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager at Deriv's crypto exchange and virtual asset business, you will play a critical role in ensuring adherence to global regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. You will design, implement, and oversee a robust compliance framework tailored to the unique challenges of crypto markets, safeguarding the company's integrity and reputation while enabling sustainable growth.

AI is being embedded into our company DNA, across every department. For further information, please read our guide: ' AI at Deriv: Your future fuelled by innovation '.

Your challenges:

• Lead crypto compliance strategy: Define and implement compliance strategies and frameworks specific to crypto exchange operations, digital wallets, token listings, stablecoins, staking, and custody services.
• Stay ahead of regulatory change: Monitor global crypto and blockchain regulatory developments (e.g., MiCA, FATF Travel Rule, SEC/CFTC, FCA, MAS, VARA), ensuring our internal policies remain up to date and aligned with evolving standards.
• Manage AML/CFT and sanctions compliance: Oversee crypto-specific AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring programs, including blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, suspicious activity reporting, and liaison with financial intelligence units (FIUs).
• Oversee licensing and registrations: Lead licensing efforts across multiple jurisdictions for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), managing ongoing reporting obligations and relationships with regulators.
• Risk management in digital assets: Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance and operational risks unique to crypto markets, including custody risks, smart contract risks, cross-border transaction risks, and fraud typologies.
• Regulatory engagement: Act as the primary contact with regulators, supervisors, and industry associations in the crypto space, ensuring proactive communication and fostering strong relationships.
• Compliance monitoring & audits: Develop and execute annual compliance plans specific to digital asset operations, including risk assessments, audits, and remedial actions.
• Culture of compliance: Partner with product, operations, and technology teams to embed compliance-by-design principles in exchange features, token listings, and blockchain integrations.

Requirements:

• A university degree in finance, law, compliance, risk management, or a related field
• 12+ years of compliance experience, with at least 5 years in a regulated crypto exchange, virtual asset business, or blockchain-based financial services
• Proven expertise in crypto regulatory frameworks, such as MiCA, FATF, FinCEN, SEC/CFTC, FCA, MAS, VARA, or equivalent regimes
• Demonstrated success in managing VASP licensing, AML/KYC programs, blockchain analytics, and crypto transaction monitoring tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs)
• Strong experience liaising with crypto regulators, FIUs, and financial services authorities
• Ability to anticipate regulatory trends in digital assets and translate them into actionable compliance strategies
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders from regulators to developers

Company culture:

• Join a diverse, inclusive workplace that values innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, professional development opportunities
• Be part of a company recognised for excellence and committed to career growth opportunities.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We take pride in our Great Place to Work and IIP Platinum certifications, which reflect our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment across 15+ offices, globally.

Our culture is unique, and we live by our values and leadership principles, find out more about life at Deriv here .

Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager – Crypto Exchange & Virtual Assets in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Posted on 10/09/2025.

As the Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager at Deriv's crypto exchange and virtual asset business, you will play a critical role in ensuring adherence to global regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. You will design, implement, and oversee a robust compliance framework tailored to the unique challenges of crypto markets, safeguarding the company's integrity and reputation while enabling sustainable growth.

• Lead crypto compliance strategy : Define and implement compliance strategies and frameworks specific to crypto exchange operations, digital wallets, token listings, stablecoins, staking, and custody services.
• Stay ahead of regulatory change : Monitor global crypto and blockchain regulatory developments (e.g., MiCA, FATF Travel Rule, SEC/CFTC, FCA, MAS, VARA), ensuring internal policies remain up to date and aligned with evolving standards.
• Manage AML/CFT and sanctions compliance : Oversee crypto-specific AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring programs, including blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, suspicious activity reporting, and liaison with financial intelligence units (FIUs).
• Oversee licensing and registrations : Lead licensing efforts across multiple jurisdictions for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), managing ongoing reporting obligations and relationships with regulators.
• Risk management in digital assets : Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance and operational risks unique to crypto markets, including custody risks, smart contract risks, cross-border transaction risks, and fraud typologies.
• Regulatory engagement : Act as the primary contact with regulators, supervisors, and industry associations in the crypto space, ensuring proactive communication and fostering strong relationships.
• Compliance monitoring & audits : Develop and execute annual compliance plans specific to digital asset operations, including risk assessments, audits, and remedial actions.
• Culture of compliance : Partner with product, operations, and technology teams to embed compliance-by-design principles in exchange features, token listings, and blockchain integrations.

• A university degree in finance, law, compliance, risk management, or a related field.
• 12+ years of compliance experience, with at least 5 years in a regulated crypto exchange, virtual asset business, or blockchain-based financial services.
• Proven expertise in crypto regulatory frameworks, such as MiCA, FATF, FinCEN, SEC/CFTC, FCA, MAS, VARA, or equivalent regimes.
• Demonstrated success in managing VASP licensing, AML/KYC programs, blockchain analytics, and crypto transaction monitoring tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs).
• Strong experience liaising with crypto regulators, FIUs, and financial services authorities.
• Ability to anticipate regulatory trends in digital assets and translate them into actionable compliance strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders from regulators to developers.

• Join a diverse, inclusive workplace that values innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Be part of a company recognised for excellence and committed to career growth opportunities.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We take pride in our Great Place to Work and IIP Platinum certifications, which reflect our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment across 15+ offices, globally.

Our culture is unique, and we live by our values and leadership principles. Find out more about life at Deriv here.

Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager – Crypto Exchange & Virtual Assets. As the Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager at Deriv's crypto exchange and virtual asset business, you will design, implement, and oversee a robust compliance framework tailored to the unique challenges of crypto markets, safeguarding the company's integrity and reputation while enabling sustainable growth.

• Lead crypto compliance strategy: Define and implement compliance strategies and frameworks specific to crypto exchange operations, digital wallets, token listings, stablecoins, staking, and custody services.
• Stay ahead of regulatory change: Monitor global crypto and blockchain regulatory developments (e.g., MiCA, FATF Travel Rule, SEC/CFTC, FCA, MAS, VARA), ensuring internal policies remain up to date and aligned with evolving standards.
• Manage AML/CFT and sanctions compliance: Oversee crypto-specific AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring programs, including blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, suspicious activity reporting, and liaison with financial intelligence units (FIUs).
• Oversee licensing and registrations: Lead licensing efforts across multiple jurisdictions for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), managing ongoing reporting obligations and relationships with regulators.
• Risk management in digital assets: Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance and operational risks unique to crypto markets, including custody risks, smart contract risks, cross-border transaction risks, and fraud typologies.
• Regulatory engagement: Act as the primary contact with regulators, supervisors, and industry associations in the crypto space, ensuring proactive communication and fostering strong relationships.
• Compliance monitoring & audits: Develop and execute annual compliance plans specific to digital asset operations, including risk assessments, audits, and remedial actions.
• Culture of compliance: Partner with product, operations, and technology teams to embed compliance-by-design principles in exchange features, token listings, and blockchain integrations.

• A university degree in finance, law, compliance, risk management, or a related field
• 12+ years of compliance experience, with at least 5 years in a regulated crypto exchange, virtual asset business, or blockchain-based financial services
• Proven expertise in crypto regulatory frameworks, such as MiCA, FATF, FinCEN, SEC/CFTC, FCA, MAS, VARA, or equivalent regimes
• Demonstrated success in managing VASP licensing, AML/KYC programs, blockchain analytics, and crypto transaction monitoring tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs)
• Strong experience liaising with crypto regulators, FIUs, and financial services authorities
• Ability to anticipate regulatory trends in digital assets and translate them into actionable compliance strategies
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders from regulators to developers

• Join a diverse, inclusive workplace that values innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, professional development opportunities
• Be part of a company recognised for excellence and committed to career growth opportunities.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We take pride in our Great Place to Work and IIP Platinum certifications, which reflect our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment across 15+ offices, globally. Our culture is unique, and we live by our values and leadership principles, find out more about life at Deriv here.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Legal

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The role will oversee the bank's AML/KYC framework and regulatory compliance activities with a focus on supporting wholesale banking operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. AML/KYC Governance & Client Life-cycle Management

2. Oversee end-to-end KYC renewals and onboarding for all clients, including Enhanced Due Diligence(EDD) for high-risk relationships.

3. Monitor and resolve overdue items and exceptions in KYC due diligence workflow promptly.
4. Conduct assessment of STR/SAR alerts and coordinate with business units to complete EDD cases.
5. Handle sanctions-related transaction screening and retrospective screening alerts.
6. Perform sampling and audits of KYCs completed by KYC teams.

7. Maintain compliance system parameters(e.g., risk rating and watch-lists) to ensure accuracy.

8. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

9. Serve as the Primary responsible for UAE FIU IEMS reports and assist the MLRO in responding to inquiries from regulators.

10. Prepare and distribute enforcement case studies to branches and develop quarterly regulatory trend reports.
11. Prepare various operational reports for branch management/Head Office.

12. Support the preparation work of the DFSA Annual Return filing and AML Risk Assessment.

13. Policy, System & Risk Oversight

14. Assist in reviewing, updating, and implementing Compliance/AML policies in alignment with DFSA regulations.

15. Conduct initial Risk assessment for customers and transactions, and escalate to the department head.
16. Lead remediation of Head Office/Internal Audit findings and implement preventive measures.

17. Support optimization of bank systems( Screening tools, case management).

18. Compliance Committee

19. Prepare materials, presentations, and minutes for Quarterly Compliance Committee Meetings.

20. Drive ad-hoc initiatives: system enhancements, regulatory gap analyses, and training programs.

21. Training

22. Support the preparation work of compliance-related training sessions for new employees, business departments.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business, or related field.
2. Over 3 years of financial sector experience, with banking compliance experience preferred.
3. Knowledge of AML/KYC operations, including STR/SAR assessment, EDD, and client life-cycle management.
4. Experience in Risk Governance, including Audit remediation, policy implementation, and banking businesses compliance reviews.
5. Knowledge of Analytical Rigo, including sampling, exception resolution, and risk rating validation.
6. Experience in Project Execution, including system optimization, training, and gap analysis.
7. Fluent in English, Mandarin proficiency is a strong plus.
8. A collaborative mindset towards business and compliance teams.

About Us
We are a fast-growing Forex and CFD brokerage offering tailored trading solutions to clients across global markets. As part of our expansion, we are looking to hire a highly experienced Head of Compliance (or Compliance Manager ) to lead our compliance operations and ensure full adherence to all local regulatory frameworks and international best practices.

The Head of Compliance will oversee the company’s compliance function, ensuring robust policies and procedures are in place across all departments. This role involves managing regulatory obligations, monitoring internal controls, and mitigating compliance risk, especially in areas such as AML, KYC, and client onboarding. The right candidate must have solid experience in the financial services sector, preferably within the FX industry.

Develop and maintain the company’s compliance framework, policies, and procedures in accordance with UAE financial regulations.

Monitor operational processes and trading activity to ensure regulatory compliance and risk control.

Manage the full AML and KYC lifecycle, ensuring proper due diligence and documentation across client onboarding.

Conduct internal audits, compliance reviews, and risk assessments on a regular basis.

Maintain clear and effective communication with internal teams to ensure alignment on regulatory and compliance-related requirements.

Provide training and guidance to staff on compliance topics, regulatory changes, and company policies.

Prepare internal reports and escalate any potential non-compliance or suspicious activity to senior management.

Support the leadership team with strategic decisions related to compliance, risk, and regulatory updates.

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related discipline

Minimum of 4 years' experience in compliance within the Forex or CFD trading industry

Deep understanding of AML/CTF laws, client due diligence, and risk-based compliance frameworks

Experience working within a UAE-licensed financial firm ; prior exposure to SCA requirements is a strong advantage

Strong command of compliance monitoring systems, policies, and regulatory documentation

Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus

Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence across departments

Visa sponsorship and full legal employment in the UAE

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

Annual performance bonus

Exposure to a dynamic and multicultural team

Career progression opportunities within a growing brokerage

Primary Responsibilities

• Support and drive the execution of the compliance program in the MENA region, in alignment with global and regional standards;
• Assist in conducting and documenting compliance-related investigations, ensuring appropriate follow-up and reporting;
• Support the preparation and coordination of the Regional Compliance Committee (CCM) meetings, including agenda setting, collection of regional updates, and documentation of key outcomes;
• Drive the implementation of global and regional compliance initiatives/projects, tools, and systems across the MENA region;
• Monitor adherence to internal compliance policies (e.g., Code of Conduct, Anti-Bribery, Trade Compliance, Speak-Up Policy) and escalate potential breaches appropriately;
• Assist with third-party due diligence and on-boarding processes as part of the regional Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) program;
• Conduct compliance risk screenings and support the execution of risk assessments and employee surveys;
• Deliver or coordinate compliance trainings, including onboarding sessions and targeted refreshers based on local risks and legal requirements;
• Monitor local regulatory and legal developments in MENA and support the alignment of internal policies accordingly;
• Act as a first point of contact for local management and employees regarding compliance-related topics;
• Prepare regular compliance updates and reports for regional and global compliance teams;
• Coordinate communication and engagement activities during Compliance Week and other awareness campaigns across MENA;
• Collaborate with Legal, HR, Internal Audit, and business stakeholders to ensure consistent compliance practices and alignment;
• Maintain accurate and organized documentation of compliance activities, investigations, trainings, and follow-up actions;
• Support external counsel or auditors when required, by providing relevant documentation or background information
• Investigations within MENA and other regional investigations as required from time to time

Qualifications

• A bachelor s degree in law
• A qualified/admitted lawyer with 3 5 years experience
• Good Working Knowledge of Google Suite and MS Office
• Proven track record in Compliance matters especially in training and investigations
• A separate compliance qualification will be an advantageous
• Will be an advantage if the candidate has worked in the IMEA jurisdiction previously and/or in the water technology and/or in the sanitaryware industry

Job Requirements

• Must be fluent in reading, writing and speaking English. Proficiency in Arabic will be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel
• Willingness to learn and cross collaborate in a matrix organization
• Candidate will be required from time to time to work outside of working hours
• Agility and ability to work in a cross cultural environment
• Will be advantageous if the candidate is located in the UAE/Egypt

JOB OBJECTIVE:

To support the implementation of an effective ethics and compliance programme through research, drafting of written guidance, delivery of training, management of compliance investigations, administrative support, and project management, ensuring the company complies with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and ethical obligations.

The individual shall ensure that there are policies and procedures in place that are efficient, effective, well understood and observed by all employees, and the company complies with all statutory requirements listed entity.

The position will report directly to the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Ethics & Compliance Program

• Participates in internal reviews of policies and procedures in the assigned corporate function(s)/assets to gather information and data on ethics and compliance within current documented and implemented practices.
• Develops the Ethics & Compliance programme ensuring alignment with all regulatory requirements and the requirements of the ARCC
• Participates in the implementation of compliance projects for the assigned corporate function(s)/assets in line with the Ethics &Compliance programme to ensure compliance risks are effectively managed.

Ethics & Compliance Policies, Systems, Processes and Procedures

• Contributes to the identification of opportunities for the continuous improvement of functional systems, processes and practices taking into account 'international leading practice' to improve business processes, productivity and operational efficiency.
• Implements all relevant functional policies, processes, procedures, and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Conducts research on changes and developments in relevant local and global laws and regulations to assist in providing inputs into the ongoing development and implementation of key compliance processes to ensure 'best practice'.
• Drafts specific ethics and compliance policies and procedures to enforce relevant corporate and governance requirements.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manages the process, analysis, and reporting of KPIs, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping.
• Assists in the creation and updating of training materials for compliance programs.
• Conducts data analysis for various compliance-related metrics and initiatives.
• Monitors and manages the compliance helpline mailbox, including attending helpline calls and responding to inquiries.
• Continuously improves and enhances the internal compliance system to ensure it remains an effective data management platform.
• Ensures appropriate planning and timely delivery of all core and special projects.

Analysis & Risk Assessment

• Analyzes policies and procedures in the assigned corporate function(s)/assets to identify compliance with internal policies and procedures, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Identifies and reports on potential ethics and compliance breaches or errors within the assigned corporate function(s)/assets to raise awareness of the issue and remediate it going forward.
• Conducts research into ethics and compliance breaches to further explore the issue and associated risk so that corrective action recommendations can be made.
• Conducts analysis on key compliance risks and emerging issues inherent to the operations of the company to support risk assessments for the assigned corporate function(s)/assets.

QUALIFICATION& EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor or graduate-level degree in law from an internationally recognized higher education institution.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in compliance, audit, or other risk- management function.
• Experience in a top-tier international organization or experience working in various industries in the UAE, Europe or USA.
• Experience working with UAE Security & Commodities Authority ("SCA"), Dubai Financial Market and/or Abu-Dhabi Accountability Authority.
• Experience in listed entity in UAE would be an added benefit.

Responsibilities

• Carry out the bank's compliance/AML functions to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations, international best practices and group policies.
• Provide expertise in compliance/AML policy drafting, review and revision. Execute compliance monitoring programs development and perform process improvement.
• Implement comprehensive Customer Risk Rating and Product Risk rating framework and conduct AML and Sanctions risk EWRA assessments periodically.
• Supervise, review and approve compliance systems operations to mitigate AML/CFT, sanctions and related compliance risks during various business stages such as KYC on-boarding, transaction monitoring and daily operations.
• Work with both front office and support functions to develop all requisite controls, policies and procedures and recommend business system requirements.
• Guide and advise branch management and business functions on laws and regulations and evaluate their impact to business and recommend best course of action.
• Liaison with regulators and relevant external bodies on compliance matters including regulatory risk assessments, independent compliance testing and respond promptly to any Request For Information made by competent authorities.
• Liaison with IT managers with compliance risk control system optimization, transaction monitoring modeling, tuning and validation, partake in new system/solution technological initiatives and projects launched by head office.
• Provide periodic training to staff on AML, regulatory themes and KYC related topics. Coaching and developing new team.
• Complete other duties and Ad-hoc tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business or related field.
• At least 5 years in banking/financial services compliance roles.
• Regulatory Expertise of AML/CFT, Sanctions, FATCA, CRS, and key banking regulations and international standards.
• End-to-End Framework Implementation with proven experience designing, implementing, and optimizing the entire compliance framework.
• Strong oversight of KYC/CDD on-boarding, Transaction Monitoring, Sanctions Screening systems. Ability to review, approve outputs, and drive optimization.
• Expertise in leading AML, Sanctions, and Operational Risk Assessments. Identifying gaps and implementing remediation.
• Proven ability to draft, review, and advise on complex compliance policies. Provide actionable guidance to business and senior management on regulatory impact & resolution.
• Strong team supervision, coaching, and development skills.
• Ability to design and deliver effective AML/KYC training.