Compliance, Risk, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer

Today’s financial infrastructure is archaic, expensive, inefficient and risky — supporting a system that leaves out more people than it lets in. So we’re rebuilding it.

We’re on a mission to open the world’s financial system to everyone by enabling the instant movement of any asset, any time, in a trustworthy way. For over a decade, we’ve built blockchain infrastructure that tokenizes, custodies, trades and settles assets for the world’s leading financial institutions, like PayPal, Venmo, Mastercard and Interactive Brokers.

Paxos is expanding its regulated activities in Abu Dhabi Global Market by providing blockchain infrastructure for modern financial services under the oversight of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Paxos Middle East will provide custody and brokerage services for Paxos-issued Lift Dollar (USDL) as well as other FSRA Accepted Virtual Assets.

The Compliance, Risk, & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) will play a crucial role in collaborating with the FSRA Supervision Team and regional stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and risk management in the provision of blockchain-based financial services. This role involves designing and implementing policies, procedures, systems, and controls to mitigate compliance risks, conducting risk-based monitoring, and coordinating compliance activities across departments. 

The CO/MLRO/RO also provides regular compliance and risk management reports to senior management, oversees risk management policies and controls, and acts as a local point of contact for risk management issues. By addressing the complex regulatory challenges of blockchain technology and ensuring robust compliance frameworks, this role is critical to supporting Paxos' regulatory-first reputation and operational stability, fostering a culture of risk awareness and compliance across the organization.

• Manage the UAE-based Compliance and Risk programs, including maintaining responsibility over and effective implementation of local financial crime and risk management policies, trainings, and day-to-day operational components. 
• Partner closely with UAE-based counterparts as well as the global Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Risk Officer to ensure a consistent approach to risk management
• Advise on the risk related to new product launches, and support the development of corresponding systems and controls in order to comply with applicable regulations;
• Serve as primary Compliance and Risk counterpart with FSRA and local regulators. Stay abreast of new or evolving regulatory requirements and recommend program changes, as required.
• Evaluate risk and compliance considerations in the development or expansion of new, blockchain-based financial services;
• Maintain oversight over program to ensure that any potential  breaches are readily identified and mitigating, as required by local regulations
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g. Risk Audit, Legal, Human Resources etc.) to develop and implement effective cross-functional compliance risk management strategies and programs
• Provide reports on a regular basis and, as directed or requested, to the Board, Committees and senior management regarding  the operations and progress of Compliance and Risk efforts;
• Oversee UAE-based processes for managing risks including establishing and maintaining specific risk management policies, procedures, systems, and controls
• Prepare and submit the Company’s Internal Risk Assessment Process (IRAP) to the FSRA;
• Chair and run the the local entity’s Risk Management Committee to ensure risks and issues are reported to executives; and
• Act as a local point of contact for Group Risk Management  issues, events, inquiries and escalations and advise on the Company’s risk management framework, policies, procedures, systems and controls. This includes preparing responses and evidence to support responding to requests from auditors and examiners for information regarding the Company’s risk management policies and practices.

• Having been registered as an Authorized CO / MLRO with FSRA, DFSA or FCA.
• At least 7+ years of experience in Compliance including as a Compliance leader; 
• At least two years of experience in a Risk or Compliance role for a regulated broker/dealer;
• A deep understanding of financial crimes monitoring and prevention including UAE specific regulations and requirements; and
• Experience in Risk oversight.
• Experience within a global company or within the Digital Asset Sector