About the role

This isn’t just operations management. This is mission-critical custody.

At OFZA, we’re building the UAE’s most credible, regulated virtual asset exchange and custody platform. As Exchange and VA Custody Operations Manager, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that client assets are protected, reconciled, and managed under the highest regulatory and operational standards set by VARA.

You’ll run the daily engine of our custody operations, bridging technology, compliance, and client trust. If you thrive in precision, understand what “segregation of duties” truly means, and believe excellence is measured by control, not chaos, this role is for you.

Key responsibilities

Custody and asset operations

• Oversee daily custody workflows, including wallet management, deposits, withdrawals, and settlements.
• Ensure strict adherence to all mandatory rulebooks, specifically to VARA Exchange, Custody, Compliance and Risk Management Rulebooks for asset safeguarding.
• Manage reconciliation between blockchain, custody systems, and banking partners.
• Maintain dual-control procedures and approval hierarchies for all asset movements.
• Ensure client asset segregation (cold & hot wallet), sweeping mechanisms and daily client virtual asset reconciliation in compliance with VARA rulebook and Company internal policy.

Regulatory adherence, process control and risk management

• Implement and enhance SOPs for custody and settlement operations.
• Monitor incidents, investigate variances, and drive corrective actions. Escalate any material incidents to the Company Compliance and Risk Management Department.
• Coordinate with Risk and Compliance teams to ensure AML/CFT alignment across all custody functions.
• Support internal and external audits, proof-of-reserves checks, and regulatory submissions.
• Liaise with External Proof of Reserve Auditors bi-annually and ensure timely Proof of Reserve Audit report submission to VARA.
• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly wallet address reports to the Compliance Department as part of supervision reporting requirements.

Technology and integration

• Collaborate with Product and Tech teams to streamline custody infrastructure and automation.
• Support wallet testing, latency tracking, and custody incident escalation protocols.
• Maintain operational readiness for new product launches and regulatory updates.
• Perform initial analysis and operational custody assessment while listing and delisting of virtual assets to the company platform.

Collaboration and reporting

• Work closely with Exchange Ops, Finance, and Compliance to ensure smooth flow between fiat and VA transactions, deposits, trades and withdrawals.
• Own custody dashboards, incident logs, and operational KPIs.
• Provide management updates and contribute to governance reporting.

What we’re looking for in you

• 5–7 years of experience in custody, settlements, or digital asset operations.
• Experience within regulated financial institutions or VARA-licensed entities preferred.
• Deep understanding of custody best practices, reconciliations, and asset segregation.
• Knowledge of blockchain and wallet systems (hot, cold, and warm).
• Proven ability to manage operational risk and respond to regulatory oversight.
• Meticulous attention to detail, integrity under pressure, and operational discipline.

Why join us

OFZA is not just another exchange. We’re building a regulated ecosystem that defines how exchange operations and client virtual asset custody management should work in the UAE.

As Exchange and VA Custody Operations Manager, you’ll be the guardian of that trust. You’ll work in a company where compliance and innovation move together, and where every operational decision contributes to institutional confidence.

If you’re ready to build a custody operation that sets the benchmark for digital asset reliability, we’re ready to meet you.