Trader

Company Description

MidChains is a pioneering institutional digital asset and cryptocurrency trading platform operating under the robust regulatory frameworks of the UAE in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As one of the first fully regulated virtual asset trading platforms in the UAE, we are backed by sovereign wealth funds and leading international investors including Mubadala Investment Company, Lunate, Miami International Holdings, Brevan Howard and others.

Our platform serves institutions, brokerages, high-frequency traders, family offices, corporate treasuries and asset managers with comprehensive digital asset services including trading, custody, and OTC solutions. We pride ourselves on providing institutional-grade infrastructure while democratizing access to digital asset markets and services through our transparent, secure, and compliant operations.

Role Description

The Trader will be a core member of MidChains' trading desk, responsible for executing institutional-grade spot and OTC digital asset transactions, managing principal risk, and delivering best-in-class execution for a diverse institutional client base. Operating within a fully regulated environment under VARA frameworks, the Trader will uphold the highest standards of compliance, risk management, and client service while contributing to the profitability and growth of the platform.

Responsibilities:

Trading Execution

• Execute OTC digital asset trades on behalf of institutional and professional clients.
• Manage principal risk positions and facilitate client orders across multiple digital asset pairs with precision and speed.
• Provide competitive pricing and quotes for OTC transactions, ensuring minimal market impact and optimal execution for large-volume trades.
• Monitor and manage open positions, market exposure, and inventory in real time across all trading sessions.
• Operate 24/7 trading coverage as required, including overnight and weekend shifts, given the continuous nature of crypto markets.

Riks & Compliance

• Adhere to all applicable UAE virtual asset regulations under VARA, CMA and other relevant authorities.
• Ensure all trading activities are compliant with AML/CFT requirements, KYC standards, and MidChains' internal compliance policies.
• Collaborate closely with the Compliance and Risk teams to flag and escalate any unusual market activity or potential regulatory concerns.
• Maintain accurate trade records, blotters, and reconciliation in line with regulatory reporting obligations.

Platform & Product Development

• Provide structured feedback to the technology and product teams to enhance platform features, execution tools, and trading infrastructure.
• Participate in the testing and deployment of new trading products, pairs, and platform upgrades.
• Collaborate with business development teams to identify new institutional client opportunities and product offerings.
• Understanding of order management systems (OMS) and electronic trading platforms.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in a professional trading or operational, preferably in digital assets, crypto, FX, or institutional financial markets.
• Demonstrated track record of executing and managing trades in a fast-paced, institutional trading environment.
• Prior experience working with OTC desks, liquidity providers, or institutional crypto/FX brokerages is highly advantageous.
• Strong proficiency with trading platforms, order management systems (OMS), and execution tools used in digital asset markets.
• Solid understanding of market microstructure, liquidity dynamics, and price discovery in both centralized and OTC markets.
• Familiarity with risk management tools, hedging instruments, and derivatives (options, futures, perpetuals) in the crypto space.
• Proficiency in data analysis; knowledge of Python or similar scripting languages is a plus.
• Deep understanding of major digital assets (BTC, ETH, and altcoins), blockchain fundamentals, and crypto market structure. Knowledge of tokenisation is advantageous. 
• Strong knowledge of UAE virtual asset regulations, including VARA (Dubai) and CMA frameworks.
• Familiarity with AML, KYC, and CFT compliance requirements applicable to virtual asset service providers (VASPs) in the UAE.
• Awareness of global macro trends and their implications for digital asset price action.
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative reasoning skills with the ability to make fast, informed decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate market views and execution rationale clearly to institutional clients and internal teams.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive client and proprietary information.
• Self-motivated, collaborative team player with an entrepreneurial mindset suited to a high-growth, regulated environment.