Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – Dubai VARA Broker-Dealer VASP

Department: Technology | Location: Dubai, UAE (on-site mandatory) | Employment: Full-time

We are seeking an experienced Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead cybersecurity, risk, and regulatory security compliance for a VARA-regulated virtual asset business. Your core responsibility is to leverage the latest VARA requirements, together with your proven experience, to secure a Broker-Dealer licence for our newly developed business and to support ongoing VARA licensing and supervision.

Key Responsibilities

✅ Own and execute the company’s information security and cyber risk strategy

✅ Lead security requirements for VARA licensing, audits, and regulatory reviews

✅ Manage incident response, threat detection, and business continuity planning

✅ Partner with Compliance, Legal, and Executive leadership

✅ Build and lead a high-performing security function

Requirements

✅ Hands-on experience with VARA licensing

✅ 8+ years in IT or cybersecurity

✅ Familar with crypto, Web3, blockchain, or virtual assets

✅ Experience engaging regulators, auditors, and Board-level stakeholders

Preferred

✅ Participated in the final Executive Committee approval hearing

✅ Familiarity with IAM, ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2

✅ CISSP, CISM, CISA, or ISO 27001 certifications

✅ Experience in regulated exchanges, custodians, or digital asset platforms

✅Knowledge of VARA Technology & Information Rulebook