On-site | Abu Dhabi | Fintech / Crypto | Senior Leadership
About the Opportunity
We are a recruitment partner supporting a fintech company in the final stages of launching a regulated cryptocurrency exchange in the UAE (CMA licence).
The company is backed by experienced founders who have already built and scaled a profitable crypto exchange in another region. They are now expanding into the UAE market with a clear 5-year strategy and long-term ambition, including a potential IPO.
As part of the licensing process, the company is building its core leadership team and is looking for a Head of Risk Management - a critical leadership role responsible for building the risk function from the ground up and engaging directly with the regulator.
Why This Role Is Unique
- Build the risk management function from scratch in a regulated crypto exchange
- Work directly with the UAE regulator (CMA) as part of the licensing process
- Join at an early stage with strong backing and a proven business model
- High level of ownership and influence on company-wide decision-making
- Relocation support, visa sponsorship, and housing assistance
What You Will Be Doing
Risk Strategy & Governance
- Build and lead the enterprise risk management function from the ground up
- Develop Risk Management Framework, Risk Appetite Statement, and internal policies
- Establish governance, reporting lines, and escalation processes
- Provide independent oversight of risk across the organisation
Risk Identification & Monitoring
- Identify and manage key risks: operational, market, liquidity, regulatory, cyber, financial crime
- Maintain and continuously update the risk register
- Define and monitor key risk indicators (KRIs)
- Conduct risk assessments for new products and strategic initiatives
Crypto & Market Risk
- Assess risks related to digital assets, including volatility, liquidity, custody, and trading
- Monitor exposure to counterparties, exchanges, and liquidity providers
- Evaluate token listing risks and onboarding of new assets
Operational Risk & Controls
- Strengthen internal control environment across business processes
- Oversee incident management, root cause analysis, and remediation
- Support business continuity and disaster recovery frameworks
- Promote risk awareness across teams
Regulatory Interaction
- Ensure alignment with CMA requirements and licensing conditions
- Prepare risk reports for senior management, Board, and regulator
- Support regulatory reviews, audits, and inspections
- Work closely with Compliance, Finance, IT, and Security teams
Stress Testing & Scenario Analysis
- Develop stress testing frameworks tailored to crypto market conditions
- Assess liquidity and capital resilience under adverse scenarios
- Provide actionable recommendations to leadership
What We Are Looking For
- 10+ years of experience in risk management (banking, fintech, payments, brokerage, or crypto)
- At least 3 years in a licensed financial institution, fintech, or crypto exchange
- Strong experience in a regulated financial environment
- Proven track record of building or managing enterprise risk frameworks
- Solid understanding of market, operational, and digital asset risks
- Experience working with regulators (ideally CMA / UAE or equivalent)
- Strong analytical thinking and ability to communicate complex risks clearly
- Fluent English
Nice to have
- Experience in crypto exchanges or digital assets
- Direct involvement in licensing or regulatory approval processes
- Familiarity with custody solutions and trading infrastructure
- Arabic language skills
Location & Conditions
📍 Abu Dhabi, UAE - on-site role
🏠 Relocation support: visa sponsorship, residence assistance, housing support
💰 Competitive compensation, discussed individually
Why Join Us
- Rare opportunity to shape a risk function at a regulated crypto exchange from day one
- Direct exposure to the regulator and executive leadership from the start
- Join a business with a proven foundation, clear 5-year growth plan, and IPO ambition
- Be part of a lean, experienced team where your decisions genuinely matter
Please note: this role is subject to regulatory approval. Certain nationality restrictions may apply due to regulatory requirements.