Job Description

MLRO About us




First Digital is a digital asset focused trust, custody, financial technology company at the vanguard of the emerging digitalization of assets, where the full value for your worldly assets can finally unite like other digital data. Our best-in-class custodian and near-banking layer enables previously unattainable options for payments, asset management and access to products that can help enhance financial inclusion.




Our infrastructure - including FDUSD, Asia's 1st home grown blockchain-based USD stable-coin - Developed to help economies, institutions and developers gain access to technology breakthroughs and capitalize on the digital evolution of finance, trust, and technology.




First Digital are seeking an experienced and meticulous Compliance Officer & Money Laundering Reporting Officer ("MLRO") to join our newly established team in Dubai and lead it through its journey to become a licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider ("VASP") under the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority ("VARA"). As the Compliance Office & MLRO, you will play pivotal role in safeguarding First Digital's integrity and maintaining compliant business practices focusing on AML/CFT, financial crime and risk.




Responsibilities of the role:


• This is a hands-on role, where the individual will be responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of the compliance program of our VASP entity, including reviewing compliance policies and guidelines, advising on related business processes and conducting training programs.
• Act as the MLRO (Money laundering reporting officer) ensuring full compliance with VARA regulations and maintaining oversight of all related internal controls and reporting.
• Oversee and monitor the business-wide risk management framework and overall risk exposure of the entity and its activities.
• Provide accurate, consistent, and timely advice to the business and reporting to local and group level senior management on compliance and risk related matters.
• Work closely with various stakeholders (i.e., Legal, Operations, and Technology teams) to identify enhancements in compliance process automation and lead the implementation of these platform changes.
• Mentor and continuously develop a team of compliance operations professionals, acting as a point of escalation when queries or concerns arise.
• Nurture a good risk and compliance culture, participating in the First Digital Group's Compliance Committee to ensure consistent and cohesive application of best compliance practices throughout the group.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends on regulatory compliance, emerging threats, and appropriate steps to mitigate the risks.



Requirements:


• BS or BA required; law degree strongly preferred.
• Compliance certification (i.e. CAMS or ICA) preferred.
• At least 10 years of compliance experience in the area of AML/CFT, financial crime, internal audit, or risk management with excellent knowledge of regulatory requirements in digital asset or fintech firms.
• VASP background is strongly preferred, but exceptions can be made for people with an exceptional track record in other financial services or fintech related businesses.
• Strong communication skills and ability to deliver clear presentations to interact with a broad range of audiences or stakeholders with different backgrounds, including with VARA directly. Fluency in English is required.
• Reliable when working independently, with good judgment for when to raise issues.



#LI-Onsite




We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. First Digital Trust reserves the right to amend this job description at any time.
Job ID 4373810101