Director of Blockchain & Digital Finance

About the company

China Centre Free Zone in Dubai is a business hub that supports international companies in technology, digital services and modern financial solutions. We work with firms that use distributed ledger technology, digital finance platforms and cross border services.

We are now hiring a Director of Blockchain & Digital Finance to lead our digital finance direction and help residents of the zone build reliable, compliant and scalable solutions.

About the role

This is a senior leadership role with a strong focus on financial architecture, governance and practical use of blockchain in finance. You will shape how digital finance services are designed and supported within the free zone, and act as a key partner for resident companies, banks, payment providers and other institutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define the overall strategy for blockchain and digital finance within the free zone
• Design frameworks, guidelines and best practices for digital finance solutions using distributed ledger technology
• Support resident companies in structuring safe and compliant digital finance products and services
• Build and manage relationships with banks, payment partners, infrastructure providers and advisory firms
• Work with legal and compliance experts to align activities with local and international regulations related to digital finance
• Review and assess digital finance projects, including risk, controls and operational setup
• Lead internal education on blockchain and digital finance for management and key teams
• Represent the free zone in discussions with regulators, industry bodies and institutional partners

REQUIREMENTS

• 7 or more years of experience in financial services, fintech or related fields
• Strong understanding of blockchain technology and its use in payments, settlement, custody or other financial use cases
• Practical experience working with digital finance platforms or services that use distributed ledger technology
• Personal experience using or holding digital currencies or other digital assets over a meaningful period of time
• Background in building or overseeing financial products, payment solutions or treasury related services
• Solid understanding of risk, compliance and control frameworks in financial services
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, regulators or institutional partners
• Fluent English, both spoken and written. Additional languages are an advantage

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience with projects in the UAE or other leading financial centers
• Work with licensing, regulatory submissions or policy discussions in digital finance
• Experience helping multiple companies or business units adopt new financial technology
• Previous leadership of cross functional teams (product, legal, risk, technology)

BENEFITS

• Senior strategic role with direct access to top management and key decision makers
• Competitive salary with performance based bonus potential
• Health insurance and standard local benefits package
• Relocation support to Dubai where required, including visa guidance and onboarding support
• Modern office environment in a leading technology and business district
• Hybrid work approach with flexibility agreed with your line manager
• Opportunity to work with a wide range of international companies in blockchain and digital finance
• Support for professional development, including conferences, training and industry memberships