Compliance Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Conduct AML/CFT, sanctions, and financial crime investigations, and act as the escalation point for complex cases.
• Draft and submit SARs to the relevant FIU on behalf of the MLRO.
• Upload, track, and manage Law Enforcement Requests (LERs) through internal systems.
• Support licensing applications, renewals, and regulatory engagements with UAE authorities, including VARA, CBUAE, and FSRA.
• Carry out internal investigations into suspicious activity, account anomalies, and potential policy breaches.
• Design, implement, and maintain the internal case management framework, including governance, controls, testing, and reporting standards.
• Perform KYC, CDD, and EDD reviews for both retail and corporate clients, including high-risk onboarding cases.
• Review blockchain analytics findings and crypto-to-fiat transaction monitoring alerts.
• Establish SOPs and drive quality assurance standards across compliance investigations and reporting processes.
• Liaise with law enforcement and regulatory authorities regarding production orders and information requests.
• Support the MLRO and senior compliance leadership on ad hoc projects and strategic initiatives.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in AML/CFT compliance, financial crime investigations, or KYC/EDD within a financial institution, crypto exchange, or regulated fintech environment.
• Proven hands-on experience in drafting and submitting STRs/SARs to relevant Financial Intelligence Units.
• Experience supporting licensing applications and liaising with UAE regulatory authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish SOPs and develop internal controls and risk management frameworks.
• Familiarity with law enforcement engagement, including handling production orders and information requests.
• Experience using blockchain analytics tools such as Chainalysis, TRM, or Elliptic is preferred.
• Strong analytical and investigative capabilities, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in English is required; additional languages are an advantage.
• CAMS certification or an equivalent qualification is a plus.