Head of Risk and Compliance

We are seeking a Head of Risk and Compliance to build and lead the company’s end-to-end governance framework across Risk, Compliance, and Data Protection. This is a high-impact, board-facing role where you will establish robust frameworks, ensuring regulatory alignment, strong risk oversight, and best-in-class data protection practices as the business scales.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance

• Lead and evolve the firm’s regulatory compliance framework in line with VARA requirements
• Monitor regulatory developments across VARA, CBUAE, and SCA
• Drive the compliance monitoring programme, including control testing
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory reporting
• Oversee third-party compliance and outsourcing frameworks
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators on non-AML matters
• Advise senior leadership and the Board on regulatory risk and obligations
• Manage registers (conflicts of interest, insider trading) and coordinate audits

Risk

• Design and own the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework
• Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments and maintain the risk register
• Deliver Board-level reporting on risk exposure, appetite, and emerging risks
• Oversee operational risks across technology, credit, market, and liquidity
• Monitor KRIs and escalate key issues to senior stakeholders

Data Protection

• Ensure compliance with UAE data protection laws and VARA requirements
• Manage data processing registers and conduct DPIAs for new initiatives
• Oversee data subject requests and breach notification processes
• Advise on data governance, consent, and cross-border data transfers
• Partner with the CISO on security-related data protection matters

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in risk, compliance, or regulatory roles within financial services, fintech, or digital assets
• Strong understanding of UAE regulatory landscape with VARA exposure
• Experience building frameworks in a growing or evolving organisation
• Confident operating at Board and senior management level
• Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution