Compliance Analyst

BitGo MENA is seeking an experienced Compliance Analyst to assume the role of Compliance Officer (CO) and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) in accordance with the requirements of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

This role will be responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end compliance and AML/CFT framework for BitGo MENA, ensuring full alignment with applicable UAE laws, VARA rulebooks, and international best practices. The individual will act as the primary regulatory liaison and will play a key role in maintaining the firm’s regulatory standing, governance, and risk management framework.

• Act as the approved Compliance Officer and MLRO for VARA-regulated entity.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with VARA.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with VARA Rulebooks, including Compliance & Risk Management, Custody, and Market Conduct requirements.
• Lead regulatory submissions.
• Support Board and senior management with compliance reporting, governance updates, and regulatory developments.

• Maintain and enhance the firm’s AML/CFT framework in line with:
• UAE Federal AML laws
• FATF recommendations
• VARA AML Rulebook
• Act as MLRO, including:
• Oversight of transaction monitoring and investigations
• Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) via goAML
• Managing sanctions screening and escalation processes
• Oversee and continuously improve the Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA) and Business Risk Assessment (BRA).

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures across:
• AML/CFT
• Market conduct and market abuse
• Client onboarding and KYC/CDD/EDD
• And operational compliance
• Monitor effectiveness of controls and ensure remediation of identified gaps.
• Coordinate internal and external audits (including AML audits and VARA-related reviews).
• Maintain compliance monitoring and testing programs.

• Provide compliance oversight on:
• Broker-dealer activities (riskless principal model, settlement flows)
• New products and services (including token listings)
• Assess regulatory impact of new initiatives and provide clear compliance guidance.

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior management and global teams.
• Work closely with Legal, Risk, Operations, and Product teams to embed compliance into business processes.
• Provide training and awareness across the organization on compliance and AML topics.

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in Compliance / AML / Financial Crime, preferably within financial services, fintech, or virtual assets.
• Experience acting as or supporting a Compliance Officer and/or MLRO.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Strong understanding of KYC/CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, and sanctions frameworks.

• Experience in the Virtual Assets / Crypto / Blockchain industry.
• Familiarity with blockchain analytics tools (e.g., Elliptic, TRM Labs).
• Professional certifications such as:
• Experience working in a regulated VASP environment under VARA or equivalent regulators (e.g., ADGM, FSRA).
•