23 Regulatory Affairs Manager jobs in the United Arab Emirates

Overview

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.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 19/03/2025

At Deriv, you'll be at the forefront of our compliance efforts, navigating the complex and ever-evolving landscape of financial regulations. As a Senior Regulatory Compliance Executive with Arabic language skills, you'll tackle the challenge of ensuring our operations remain compliant across multiple jurisdictions while supporting our innovative product development. Your expertise in Arabic-speaking markets will be instrumental in our expansion efforts, safeguarding both our customers and our business while upholding our reputation for regulatory excellence.

On a given day, you will:

• Monitor and analyse regulatory developments at international, EU, and local levels where Deriv operates or plans to expand.
• Interpret new regulatory requirements with a particular focus on investment services regulation surrounding CFDs.
• Create, maintain, and implement compliance-related policies that safeguard our operations.
• Conduct internal compliance reviews and perform legislative gap analysis to identify potential areas of risk.
• Execute compliance monitoring programmes to ensure timely adherence to regulatory standards.
• Support the implementation of internal controls and facilitate both internal and external audits.
• Prepare comprehensive management presentations on regulatory developments and potential challenges.
• Submit critical regulatory reports related to CRS, FATCA, MiFIR, and EMIR.
• Collaborate with teams to review and assess compliance business risk assessments.
• Communicate complex regulatory requirements in both Arabic and English to various stakeholders.
• Leverage AI-driven tools to enhance compliance monitoring, automate risk assessments, and improve regulatory reporting efficiency.

You may enjoy working with us if you:

• Thrive in a dynamic environment where regulatory challenges evolve constantly.
• Enjoy translating complex regulatory language into practical business solutions.
• Find satisfaction in protecting a business while enabling its growth.
• Appreciate working in a multicultural team with global impact.
• Value being at the intersection of innovation and compliance in the fintech space.
• Take pride in your attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Are passionate about developing your expertise in international financial regulations.

We would love to work with you if you:

• Hold an undergraduate degree in legal, compliance, or a related field.
• Bring 5+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, audit, or risk functions.
• Possess excellent spoken and written Arabic and English communication skills.
• Have knowledge of investment services regulations.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and can work effectively with all levels of personnel.
• Excel at managing multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Bring a high degree of integrity and maturity to your professional interactions.
• Have experience in a fintech organisation (beneficial).
• Have worked on European regulatory compliance projects (beneficial).
• Have experience or enthusiasm for embracing AI technologies.

We pay competitive salaries based on your skills, qualifications, experience and market rates. Additionally, you'll be eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

When you join Deriv, you will be supported in growing your career in our company. You can expect to have a personalised Learning and Development programme as well as the costs covered for relevant professional development and education related to advancing your career at Deriv.

You'll be based at our modern office in Dubai's prestigious Business Bay, a key centre for Deriv's Middle Eastern operations. Our Dubai office is home to over 200 talented professionals from diverse nationalities, creating a truly global workplace. You'll thrive in an expat-friendly environment that celebrates diversity and encourages cross-cultural collaboration, with regular knowledge-sharing sessions and team events.

Ready to shape the regulatory landscape of online trading? If you're passionate about navigating complex compliance challenges while enabling business growth in a global fintech environment, we want to hear from you. Your expertise in Arabic and regulatory compliance could help drive Deriv's continued success and expansion across new markets.

Deriv is 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. Join us and help build the future of online trading while working alongside top talent from over 80 nationalities.

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

As the Technical Compliance Manager at GCGRA, your role is to ensure that gaming operators comply with applicable technological standards, regulations, and guidelines and provide assurance to key stakeholders on technical compliance by the industry. You will be responsible for evaluating gaming systems, software, and infrastructure to assess their compliance with regulatory requirements. Your expertise in gaming technology, regulatory frameworks, and compliance assessment will contribute to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the gaming industry.

• Evaluate gaming systems, software, and infrastructure and other associated gaming equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, guidelines, and technical requirements prior to installation.
• Conduct inspections of gaming operators to verify adherence to technological compliance obligations and identify potential risks, vulnerabilities, or non‑compliance issues.
• Interpret regulatory requirements and assess their impact on gaming operators' technological compliance and contribute to the development of frameworks and technical standards.
• Review gaming operator technical standard operating procedures and operator adherence to these aligned with the regulatory requirements
• Prepare comprehensive reports and maintain records and databases documenting assessment findings, including observations, recommendations, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with other regulatory departments and stakeholders to ensure alignment between technological compliance requirements and broader regulatory objectives.
• Engage with gaming operators and technology providers to communicate compliance expectations, address queries, and provide guidance.
• Develop and implement monitoring systems and processes to ensure ongoing compliance with technological standards and requirements.
• Conduct reviews and assessments of gaming systems, software updates, and infrastructure changes and provide necessary reporting to key stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices to adapt compliance assessments accordingly.
• Provide guidance and support to internal staff on technology‑related compliance matters.
• Stay informed about advancements in gaming technology and attend relevant training or professional development sessions.
• Overview and manage the testing requirements and outputs that are used by the testing labs for gaming technologies.
  

• Proven experience in technology compliance, regulatory compliance, or a similar role in the gaming or regulatory industry. Strong knowledge of gaming systems, software, platforms, and infrastructure.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements in the gaming industry.
• Understanding of technical standards, guidelines, and best practices in the gaming or related industries.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify compliance issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and quality in compliance assessments and reporting.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex regulatory requirements, ensuring alignment with technological compliance frameworks and industry standards.
• Expertise in identifying risks, vulnerabilities, and non‑compliance issues in gaming systems, software, and infrastructure, along with the capability to propose mitigation strategies.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with internal teams (IT, Legal, Operations) and external stakeholders (Gaming Operators, Technology Providers) to align compliance objectives.
• Proficiency in evaluating gaming technologies, including the management of testing requirements and interpretation of outputs from testing laboratories.
• Ability to stay abreast of advancements in gaming technology, industry trends, and evolving compliance standards to maintain the integrity of assessments.
• Competence in maintaining detailed records and databases, preparing clear and comprehensive compliance reports, and leveraging data for informed decision‑making.
• Strong skills in conveying complex compliance requirements to operators and providing clear guidance and support on meeting technological standards.

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is the federal executive agency responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial gaming in the United Arab Emirates. We aim to drive sustainable growth by cultivating world‑class commercial gaming operations and implementing efficient regulation, grounded in the principles of integrity, innovation, and responsible practices.

Established by Federal Law by Decree and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the GCGRA is the executive authority that holds exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE.