Solution Architect – Retail Trading App (Dubai)

We are hiring the first technology leader, a hands-on Solution Architect to design and build the platform from the ground up. You will translate strategic vision into technical execution: defining the architecture, shaping early development (working with external partners), and preparing for in-house scale-up.

This is a foundational role for a builder, someone who can design lean, scalable systems and deliver a live product, not just slideware.

About the Company:

A new UAE-based fintech initiative backed by established financial leadership is building a next-generation retail investing and trading platform, designed for simplicity, trust, and user empowerment. Unlike institutional or treasury-grade systems, the goal is to deliver a consumer-first experience for everyday investors, intuitive, compliant, and mobile-native from day one.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define technical requirements and architecture from business and product objectives.
• Design a mobile-first, API-driven trading platform with modern, event-driven microservices.
• Evaluate build vs. buy vs. white-label options across onboarding, KYC/AML, trading engine, payments, and custody.
• Lead the MVP build, including selection and management of external vendors or development partners.
• Deliver secure, cloud-native infrastructure (AWS or Azure UAE regions), aligned with CBUAE/DFSA regulations.
• Implement strong identity management (OAuth2/Keycloak), encryption, and audit logging.
• Ensure compliance-by-design with KYC, AML, and local data-residency standards.
• Contribute to code and architectural design hands-on where needed.
• Transition the MVP to production and build the internal tech team over time.

Ideal Profile:

You are a hands-on fintech architect or senior engineer with proven experience delivering live B2C trading or wealth platforms.

You combine technical depth with product sense and can balance regulatory requirements with user experience.

Must-Have Experience:

• Built and launched consumer-facing (B2C) fintech or trading apps, ideally mobile (iOS/Android).
• Deep understanding of:

Onboarding, KYC/AML, and payment integration flows.

Trading architecture at retail level (order management, execution, dashboards).

Client portfolios, transaction histories, and compliance logging.

• Strong background in solution or full-stack architecture with microservices, APIs, and cloud deployments (AWS/Azure).
• Capable of working independently as the first technical hire — hands-on with architecture, code, and delivery oversight.
• Based in (or able to relocate to) Dubai and familiar with UAE regulatory context (CBUAE, DFSA, VARA).

Preferred / Nice-to-Have:

• Prior experience architecting or contributing to a regulated UAE platform (financial or trading).
• Exposure to Shariah-compliant product design or physical asset redemption (e.g., gold).
• Experience managing external vendors or offshore development teams.
• Track record in rapid MVP design, scalability planning, and production readiness.

Example of the Technical Environment:

• Backend: Java/Spring Boot, Node.js, or Python microservices.
• Frontend/Mobile: Flutter or React Native.
• Data/Event: Kafka, PostgreSQL, Redis, ClickHouse.
• Security & Auth: Keycloak, Vault, TLS/PKI, OIDC.
• Infra: Kubernetes (EKS/AKS), Terraform, CI/CD via GitHub Actions.
• Compliance: Modular KYC/AML APIs, audit trails, policy-as-code.

Why Join:

• Opportunity to build a retail trading app from zero, shaping architecture, product, and culture.
• Direct access to executive leadership and investors.
• Freedom to define the technical roadmap, tools, and partners.
• Potential to evolve into Head of Engineering or CTO as the company scales.
• Competitive compensation, flexible engagement options (permanent or consulting).